The Fulton County Board of Commissioners refused to appoint two election critics nominated by the county Republican Party on Wednesday, despite a court order requiring them to do so.

The commission, in a 2-2 vote along party lines, failed to approve the GOP nominations, even though Senior Superior Court Judge David Emerson told the Democratic-controlled board state law required them to do so.

“No political party can compel me to vote any particular way,” said Commissioner Dana Barrett, a Democrat. “We’re elected by the people, and I’m going to represent the people of my district.”

The commission needed at least four votes in support of the GOP nominees to appoint them to the election board. The Board of Commissioners has seven seats split between five Democrats and two Republicans. De

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