Judge Rules DOJ Can Keep Fulton County 2020 Ballots Seized by FBI

The Justice Department scored a legal win on Wednesday when U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee ruled that the FBI does not have to return the 2020 election ballots and materials seized from a warehouse in Georgia’s Fulton County. The county, which includes Atlanta and is a Democratic stronghold, had argued the seizure was unconstitutional and improper, demanding the return of both physical ballots and any electronic copies made by the government.

The January 28 raid came amid baseless claims by former President Donald Trump and his allies that widespread fraud in Fulton County cost him the 2020 presidential election. Despite three separate counts, including a hand recount, confirming Joe Biden’s victory in Georgia, the Justice Department launched a probe citing potential violations of election record-keeping laws and prohibitions against fraudulent ballots.

Judge Boulee acknowledged the affidavit supporting the seizure was “defective in some respects” and contained “troubling” statements but found no evidence of “callous disregard” for Fulton County’s rights. He also noted that the county had received copies of the seized documents, weakening claims of irreparable harm. The ruling allows the Justice Department to maintain possession of the ballots as it continues its investigation.

Fulton County officials condemned the decision, with Board of Commissioners Chairman Robb Pitts pledging to pursue all legal avenues to protect election workers and voters. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has escalated efforts nationwide, subpoenaing election workers in Fulton County and demanding election records from swing states like Arizona and Michigan.

This aggressive federal scrutiny has alarmed Democrats and some Republicans who warn it risks weaponizing federal law enforcement to target political opponents and intimidate election officials ahead of upcoming elections. The Justice Department insists it is investigating legitimate concerns to safeguard election integrity.

The Fulton County case exemplifies how the Trump administration’s post-election tactics have morphed into an ongoing campaign that blurs the lines between criminal and civil investigations, raising urgent questions about the politicization of justice and the future of American democracy.