BRIEFING #4
Georgia Pre-Election Briefing
WHEN: COMPLETED 10/2/24, 10 am - 11 am ET
WHAT: This Georgia briefing highlighted potential election issues facing Georgia. In addition, the online event also featured an overview of resources for journalists, presentations from members of our speakers’ bureau, and stressed the importance of accurate reporting.
SPEAKERS
Listed in order of appearance.
Heather Balas
Heather Balas, Vice President of the Election Reformers Network, will moderate the briefing and provide context on the Election Overtime legal briefing materials. She brings over 25 years of experience in public policy, including research, citizen deliberation, advocacy, and voter education. Heather is a senior consultant to the Carter Center, advising on reforms to strengthen American democracy. Heather is the previous President and Executive Director of New Mexico First, a cross-partisan public policy organization co-founded by former U.S. Senators Jeff Bingaman and Pete Domenici. She holds a master’s degree in political communication from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in journalism. |
Kevin Johnson
Kevin Johnson, Executive Director of the Election Reformers Network, will present newly released survey data on voter understanding of the rule of law in elections, as well as context around the increased attention to certification procedures in the U.S. He is the co-founder ERN, and since 2017, has led the organization’s research and advocacy programs focused on impartial election administration, independent redistricting, and election protection. Kevin draws on decades of experience supporting emerging democracies overseas and advancing reforms in the U.S. Kevin holds an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from Yale University. |
Donald Balfour, Senior Advisor, Georgia Democracy Resilience Network
Donald Balfour served in the Georgia Senate for 22 years. He currently co-leads the Democracy Resilience Network, which advances three core goals: committing to truth in our politics; engaging peacefully with our fellow Americans; supporting our electoral democracy. A resident of Snellville and an executive with Waffle House, Inc., Balfour was elected to the State Senate in 1992. Balfour served as President of the National Conference of State Legislatures from 2009 to 2010. Balfour is a graduate of Bob Jones University and Fairleigh Dickson University with a Master’s of Business Administration. |
Dr. Rashad Richey, Political Analyst CBS News Atlanta, Georgia Democracy Resilience Network
Dr. Richey is a university professor, broadcaster, and political analyst known for his compelling commentary and commitment to trusted elections. Nationally, Rashad's insights are featured on networks like TYT, MSNBC, and Fox News. Rashad is the President of Rolling Out, the largest Black-owned, free-print publication in the U.S., reaching 2.8 million readers monthly. His academic credentials include two doctoral degrees and ongoing legal studies. Throughout his career, Rashad has remained dedicated to amplifying marginalized voices and promoting equity through media, education, and activism. |

Kathleen Hamill, Member and Senior Advisor, American Bar Association Georgia Democracy Task Force
Kathleen Hamill, JD, is a member of the American Bar Association's Georgia Democracy Task Force, a coalition of legal professionals and concerned citizens dedicated to upholding the rule of law in elections. A Fulton County voter, Hamill has crafted multiple public comments for the GA State Election Board regarding proposed rule changes. She has taught courses on human rights and international law at Tufts University since 2002. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School, and a BA from Brown University.
Kathleen Hamill, JD, is a member of the American Bar Association's Georgia Democracy Task Force, a coalition of legal professionals and concerned citizens dedicated to upholding the rule of law in elections. A Fulton County voter, Hamill has crafted multiple public comments for the GA State Election Board regarding proposed rule changes. She has taught courses on human rights and international law at Tufts University since 2002. She holds a Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School, a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School, and a BA from Brown University.