More than four dozen foreign officials are being dispatched to the U.S. next week to monitor the presidential election, including two in Atlanta.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe says the action is needed because of an "unprecedented and sophisticated level of coordination to restrict voting rights in our nation."
Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp met with the United Nations-affiliated group and says he believes that they are not here to get involved in the state's business.
"I think that is the wrong impression that people have gotten. They're not here trying to tell us what to do. They're trying to learn about our decentralized process," said Kemp.
The organization's website says more than 40 election observers are here in the U.S.
"Observers will follow campaign activities, the work of the election administration and relevant federal and state institutions, implementation of the legislative framework, and the resolution of election disputes," the website states.
Some voters told FOX 5's Justin Gray that sounds like more than just learning and observing.
"I think we are capable of solving our own problems," said Cathy Mull.
Kemp says if the election monitors step over the line, there will be consequences.
"Listen, we've got laws that protect the polling locations and I can assure all Georgia citizens that if someone tries to disrupt any polling locations, whether these folks, poll watchers, people that are monitoring the elections – anybody, we'll take care of that and it's actually a felony," Kemp said.
Kemp says that he believes the observers have been to Georgia, visited a couple counties and left. He doesn't believe that they will be in the state on Tuesday. But he says anyone who believes they see something improper going on in a polling place should immediately contact his office.
A national atheist group says it will place its literature in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks after the governor's recent decision to allow Bibles in them.
A national atheist group says it will place its literature in cabins and lodges in Georgia's state parks after the governor's recent decision to allow Bibles in them.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:02 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:02:13 GMT
It's just hair—so why not share a little for a great cause? Monday marks the 7th Annual It's Just Hair Cut-a-Thon at the Taylor Brooks Salon in Alpharetta, and you can help!
It's just hair—so why not share a little for a great cause? Monday marks the 7th Annual It's Just Hair Cut-a-Thon at the Taylor Brooks Salon in Alpharetta, and you can help!
Monday, May 20 2013 8:25 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:25:27 GMT
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years.
It's the time of year when high school students are graduating and getting ready to begin their college years. Twelve Gwinnett County seniors honored with the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship will go to college for free, and five of them are from Mountain View High School.