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Secretary of State Kemp Announces Implementation of MOVE Act Requirements to Increase Voting Opportunities for Georgia’s Military and Overseas Voters

For Immediate Release
September 1, 2010

FFI Contact: Matt Carrothers
Director of Media Relations
404-656-4269

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Implementation of MOVE Act Requirements to Increase Voting Opportunities for Georgia’s Military and Overseas Voters

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today that the State of Georgia is prepared to meet all requirements of the federal Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment Act, or MOVE Act, to increase voting opportunities for our approximately 200,000 military and overseas citizens.

For the first time in this year’s November General Election, Georgia’s military and overseas voters will be able to access an absentee ballot in electronic format 45 days prior to Election Day. To access their ballot, these voters will log on to a secure website, print and vote their ballot, and then mail it back to their county election office. This will save weeks of time previously lost to delivery of blank ballots by mail. Additionally, military and overseas voters may receive access to absentee ballots for an entire year’s election cycle, removing the need to submit multiple ballot requests.

In June, Governor Perdue signed into law House Bill 1073, which strengthened Georgia’s compliance with the MOVE Act.

Secretary Kemp stated, “One ballot cast by a member of our military that is not counted due to slow mail service or a missed deadline is one too many. This e-government solution increases Georgia’s commitment to our men and women in uniform, who fight to protect our Constitution and our freedoms, by providing them additional opportunities to vote and fully participate in our elections.”

The system which will deliver these blank ballots was developed in-house within the Secretary of State’s Office at no additional cost to Georgia’s taxpayers. “We were able to leverage our existing technology and resources to better serve Georgia’s overseas and military voters without having to incur any additional costs or expense,” said Secretary Kemp.

In conjunction with launching the MOVE Act compliant electronic ballot delivery system, Secretary Kemp announced an updated Elections Division webpage. The new site will make it easier to find and locate critical information for all voters and anyone interested in Georgia elections.

Secretary Kemp said, “As Georgia’s Chief Elections official, it is my responsibility to provide as much information as possible to voters, and to make that information easier to find. We want Georgia’s voters to be able to know as much as they possibly can about Georgia’s elections before they go to the ballot box.”

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 9/1/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Victory in Long Fight to Secure Georgia’s Voter Rolls

FFI Contact: Matt Carrothers
Director of Media Relations
404-656-4269

For Immediate Release:

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Victory in Long Fight to Secure Georgia’s Voter Rolls

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced that following the State’s June 22, 2010 lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the DOJ consented to preclearance of the State’s voter verification process, including verification of U.S. citizenship. After the DOJ consented to the process, the State filed for and received administrative preclearance from the DOJ. The State and the DOJ therefore have now filed a joint request to have the lawsuit dismissed.

“After nearly two years, we can now verify that voter registration applicants are who they say they are and that they are U.S. citizens,” said Secretary Kemp. “When we filed the lawsuit, I was criticized by some because they believed it would be too time-consuming and expensive. However, after waiting for nearly a year and a half for a final administrative decision from the DOJ, I was certain that litigation was the only way to put Georgia in a position to obtain final approval from the federal government of our voter verification procedures. After the litigation was filed, it took less than two months for the DOJ to consent to preclearance of the verification process.”

Under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act, Georgia must obtain federal preclearance of any change affecting voting by bringing a declaratory judgment action in federal court or, in the alternative, by submitting the change to the DOJ for administrative preclearance. In October 2008, the Secretary of State’s Office first submitted the verification process to the DOJ for administrative preclearance. After extended administrative review and numerous discussions with representatives of the State, the DOJ denied administrative preclearance of the State’s voter verification process and later refused to withdraw that denial. During the administrative process, the State provided substantial amounts of information about its verification process, sometimes providing the same information several times.

In June of this year, Secretary Kemp announced that the State of Georgia filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the DOJ to obtain preclearance of the voter verification process. After the lawsuit was filed, the DOJ determined that the verification process did not have a discriminatory effect or purpose and expeditiously consented to the federal approval of the verification procedure. Georgia was previously the only state in the country barred from complying with the federal Help America Vote Act’s voter verification requirement.

Secretary Kemp added, “I am glad the DOJ ultimately recognized the importance of ensuring a secure elections process in Georgia and consented to the Section 5 approval of Georgia’s voter verification process. As Georgia’s Chief Elections Officer, my job is to ensure secure, fair, and accessible elections for every Georgia citizen who is eligible to vote. Every ballot cast by a non-citizen erases a ballot cast by an eligible Georgia voter.”

Under the Help America Vote Act, states are required to verify the information provided by first time voter registration applicants with information currently on file in state or federal databases. In Georgia, the applicant’s first name, last name, date of birth, driver’s license or identification number, last four digits of his or her Social Security number, and United States citizenship status are verified with the Department of Driver Services or Social Security Administration databases to ensure that the information matches.

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Official news release here:
http://www.sos.ga.gov/pressrel/2010_releases/August/20100823Secretary%20of%20State%20Kemp%20Announces%20Victory%20in%20Long%20Fight%20to%20Secure%20Georgia%E2%80%99s%20Voter%20Rolls.htm

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 8/23/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Applauds Governor Perdue’s Decision to Seek Federal Court Approval of Voter Registration Procedures

For Immediate Release May 19, 2010	FFI Contact: Matt Carrothers Director of Media Relations 404-656-4269

Secretary of State Kemp Applauds Governor Perdue’s Decision to Seek Federal Court Approval of Voter Registration Procedures Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today applauded Governor Perdue’s decision to appoint a special attorney general to obtain federal court approval of two election procedures that will ensure that Georgia’s voter registration rolls contain only eligible voters. By Executive Order, Governor Perdue appointed Anne W. Lewis, a partner in the firm of Strickland Brockington Lewis LLP, to serve as Special Attorney General. Lewis serves as a Special Assistant Attorney General in lawsuits challenging the State’s voter ID law and previously represented voters in both a preclearance action and a constitutional challenge related to the State’s 2001 redistricting plans. Governor Perdue also appointed attorneys Frank B. Strickland, partner of Strickland Brockington Lewis LLP, and Bryan P. Tyson, associate of Strickland Brockington Lewis LLP, as deputy Special Attorneys General. The two procedures – the voter verification process and Senate Bill 86 – allow the State to ensure that voter registration applicants are who they say they are and that applicants are U.S. citizens. Georgia must obtain federal preclearance of any change affecting voting by bringing a declaratory judgment action in federal court or, in the alternative, by submitting the change to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) for administrative preclearance. In February, the DOJ denied administrative preclearance of the State’s voter verification process, contending that a decision could not be made without additional information. However, all of the additional information sought by the DOJ had been provided previously, some of it on numerous occasions throughout the last year. In April, Secretary of State Kemp announced that he would work with Governor Perdue to pursue preclearance of Georgia’s voter verification process and Senate Bill 86 in federal court. Secretary Kemp noted today, “Fair and free elections form the foundation of our state and country. Unfortunately, Georgia remains the only state in the country barred from complying with the federal Help America Vote Act’s voter verification process. I am proud that we are taking this step to protect the integrity, security and fairness of Georgia’s elections.” Background: Voter verification process Under federal law (the Help America Vote Act, or HAVA), states are required to verify the information provided by first time voter registration applicants with information currently on file in state or federal databases. In Georgia, the applicant’s first name, last name, date of birth, driver’s license number and the last four digits of his or her Social Security Number are verified with the Department of Driver Services (DDS) or Social Security Administration databases to ensure that the information matches. Senate Bill 86 SB 86 was signed into law in May 2009 and requires those registering to vote to submit one of several forms of proof of United States citizenship with their application. Applicants may use a driver’s license number, birth certificate, U.S. passport, U.S. naturalization documents or alien registration number, Bureau of Indian Affairs card, as well as other documents. SB 86 is modeled after a similar law in Arizona, which the DOJ precleared. Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum. ### Original Article here

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 5/19/2010

Kemp Praises Support of Elected Officials

Published Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Kemp praises support from elected officials
By Jeff Bishop

The Times-Herald

Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp told supporters Tuesday morning in Newnan that he feels good about the backing he's getting around the state as the July primary date nears.

"I'm so humbled to have folks like you all who have gotten on board with us early," he told local supporters, including Arthur B. "Skin" Edge, former state senator, and current State Representatives Lynn Smith, Billy Horne, and Sen. Mitch Seabaugh. Kemp spoke at a breakfast at Ten East Washington restaurant in Newnan.

"We've had a lot of strong, early support from a lot of elected officials from all over the state," in every county, said Kemp, who was recently appointed to his position by Gov. Sonny Perdue when Karen Handel resigned to run for governor full-time.

"We're getting our message out," Kemp said.

The message is that "we need common sense in government," Kemp said. His background as a small business owner has given him plenty of real-world experience when it comes to trimming budgets and remaining accountable, he said.

Kemp said that he voluntarily cut his own salary and streamlined operations at the Secretary of State's operations to cut millions from the office's budget.

"We reduced our budget by $3 million, out of a $26 million budget," said Kemp. "We're looking to save another half a million in 2011."

Government has to be willing to make the same tough choices American households are facing in times of economic uncertainty, he said.

"We're not only going to save money, but also make our office that much more efficient," said Kemp. "We continue to look at ways to do more with less."

Technology is providing one way for the secretary of state's office to offer more and better services for less money, he said. One example is this week's election to fill the seat of Congressman Nathan Deal in North Georgia. A bar code scanner is being used to examine driver's licenses, "and the information immediately pops up," he said.

"This is saving us 15 to 20 seconds per person," said Kemp. For small elections that may not add up to much, but for the next presidential election the cumulative difference in wait times will be enormous, he said.

"You can imagine how that's going to speed up the process," said Kemp.

On the secretary of state's Web site, absentee ballots can be tracked and sample ballots can be found. Georgians can even find their voting precinct.

"It's a great way to educate the voters without spending a lot of money," he said. Thirty-five state licenses are now renewable online, said Kemp, "and we should have 50 by the end of the year."

The secretary of state's office "handles a lot of the business functions of government," Kemp said. "We regulate securities, run the state archives, and work with business people every day."

He said that it's important to focus on the needs of business and economic development, because "with 10 percent unemployment, we need all hands on deck."

Kemp said he's particularly interested in finding ways to meet the needs of existing industries in Georgia.

"Sometimes we forget about the existing businesses we have here," he said. "We need to cut the red tape for them, when we can. We have to get outdated regulations out of the way, when we can do it without hurting consumer protections or the environment."

Kemp said that he is a respected former state senator who understands how the legislative process works. In fact, he said, he successfully managed to pass legislation to ease the voting process for military personnel serving overseas.

"It's important that every one of their votes gets counted," he said.

Kemp said he is the type of secretary of state who "listens to what the people need," and he is committed to doing just that.

"People want leaders who do what they say they are going to do," said Kemp. "We are implementing these things, and with your help, we are going to continue to do that for the next four years."

Original Article found here

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 5/12/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Pilot Project to Check in Voters with Driver’s License Bar Code Scanner

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today a pilot project that will create a more efficient and accurate check-in process for voters who cast their ballot in person on Election Day. If a voter’s driver’s license number is already recorded in the poll book, poll workers will scan the bar code on the back of the voter’s Georgia driver’s license or state identification card to immediately find the voter in the poll book and check them in to vote. This process will eliminate the need to manually look up every voter in the poll book.

Secretary Kemp certified, on an interim basis, a bar code scanner which has been initially tested by the Kennesaw State University Center for Election Systems. The bar code scanners will be first used and tested in Bartow County on Election Day, May 11, 2010, in the Georgia House District 12 Special Election.

“This pilot project is a 21st Century e-government solution that will speed the check-in process for voters, decrease waiting times at the polls, and improve the accuracy of creating voter access cards,” said Secretary Kemp. “The bar code scanners will reduce the search time for a voter record from its current average of 10 to 15 seconds to almost instantaneous.”

The bar code scanners do not change the check-in process in order to vote in an election. Voters must still complete a voter’s certificate at their polling location. As required by Georgia law, poll workers must also check each voter’s photo identification to ensure that it matches the voter. Voters using photo identification other than a Georgia driver’s license or state identification card will be processed as they have before by poll workers using the electronic poll books to type in the voter’s name.

Secretary Kemp, officials from the agency’s Elections Division, the Bartow County Board of Elections, and the Kennesaw State University Center for Elections Systems will review the pilot project’s results to determine the program’s success, areas for improvement, voter feedback, and develop plans to expand the program to additional counties and precincts during subsequent elections.

If the pilot project is successful, barcodes will be added to the free Voter Identification Cards (VICs) issued by county registrars, enabling voters who do not have a driver’s license to use a VIC for the bar code scanning check-in process.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 5/7/2010

Georgia Secretary of State Kemp Qualifies

Conservative Record, Impressive Accomplishments, and Dominant Grassroots Support Make Kemp Clear Frontrunner

Athens – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today that he has qualified for the July 20, 2010 Republican General Primary. Secretary Kemp has already received more than 450 endorsements, including an endorsement from at least one elected official and the support of at least one grassroots leader in every Georgia county. No other statewide campaign in Georgia, from either party, has received this level of support or is as organized on the grassroots level as the Kemp for Secretary of State Campaign.

“Voters want proven leadership from a candidate who is working hard at the Capitol, and working hard for their vote. Our state faces big challenges, and Brian Kemp is already implementing his agenda every day for Georgians. Now is not the time for on-the-job training,” said Walton County Sheriff Joe Chapman.

Secretary Kemp stated, “I am honored to have the support of elected officials and conservative grassroots leaders in every Georgia county. We started on Day One of my administration to implement conservative policies and initiatives that increase economic development throughout Georgia, cut red tape for small businesses, and create more efficient government for Georgia taxpayers. We’ve worked closely with the Georgia Legislature to increase voting opportunities for our overseas military personnel, and we’re taking the Obama Justice Department to federal court to protect our voter rolls from non-citizens attempting to register and vote in Georgia elections.”

Secretary of State Kemp’s major initiatives include:

Real spending cuts: Secretary Kemp has cut $2.9 million from the agency’s budget by streamlining operations in every agency Division, and has implemented plans to make further budget reductions in subsequent years.

Elections Legislation: Increases opportunities for Georgia’s 200,000 overseas and military personnel to participate in the election process.

Stop Voter Fraud website: Allows Georgians to report questionable election activity online or via the Stop Voter Fraud hotline, to help the Secretary of State’s office take every measure possible to ensure the integrity, security, and fairness of our elections process.

MVP website: Allows Georgia voters to view a sample ballot specific to that voter for upcoming elections, find their Election Day polling location and early voting locations in their county, check their registration status, track the status of their absentee ballot, and more.

Georgia’s Voter Verification Process and Senate Bill 86: In February, the U.S. Department of Justice again denied “preclearance” or approval of these two critical voter roll protections. Today, Georgia remains the only state in the country barred from complying with the federal Help America Vote Act’s voter verification process. Secretary Kemp will now work with Governor Perdue to pursue preclearance in a way that removes politics from the preclearance process by bringing an action in federal court, so we can ensure that voter registration applicants are who they say they are and that applicants are U.S. citizens.

Cut The Red Tape website: Allows Georgians to submit ideas on how their government can remove the red-tape roadblocks that impede business growth and job creation.

Redesigned Corporations Division website: Allows Georgians to renew their existing corporate entities online, form new corporate entities online, and provide their email address to receive online renewals and other important notices electronically.

Regulatory Reform Legislation: Determines if regulatory boards are still necessary, if they provide adequate consumer protections, and if they hinder job growth and economic growth.

Professional Licensing Boards Division: Increased the number of professional license applications available online; saved taxpayer dollars by implementing greater use of teleconferencing and videoconferencing.

Securities – Professional Licensing Boards Consolidation: Announced a multi-phase process to consolidate these agency Divisions. Will achieve significant budget savings for Georgia taxpayers and create more efficient government.

Secretary Kemp added, “Our conservative agenda and accomplishments are clearly resonating with voters in every corner of the State. I’m confident that the enthusiasm shown by our many supporters will carry us to victory in July.”

For more information on the Kemp for Secretary of State Campaign and Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s proven agenda, please visit www.KempMeansBusiness.com.

Campaign Contact Information

Brian Kemp for Secretary of State

P.O. Box 5187

Athens, GA30604

www.KempMeansBusiness.com

brian@votebriankemp.com

706-850-0570

Paid for by Brian Kemp for Secretary of State

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 4/28/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Vows to Continue Fight to Protect Georgia’s Voter Registration Rolls

For Immediate Release April 22, 2010	FFI Contact: Matt Carrothers Director of Media Relations 404-656-4269

Secretary of State Kemp Vows to Continue Fight to Protect Georgia’s Voter Registration Rolls Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today that he will continue the fight to protect the State’s voter registration rolls, despite Attorney General Thurbert Baker’s latest refusal to intervene in the process to preclear two critical voter roll protection programs. In February, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) again denied administrative preclearance of the State’s voter verification process, contending that a decision could not be made without additional information. However, all of the additional information sought by the DOJ had been provided previously, some of it on numerous occasions. The State may seek preclearance of a change affecting voting by bringing a declaratory judgment action in federal court or, as an alternative, by submitting the change to the DOJ. Therefore, following the DOJ’s February denial of preclearance, Secretary Kemp asked Baker to seek federal court preclearance of both the voter verification process and Senate Bill 86 (SB 86), the State’s proof of citizenship requirement passed last year. In April, Secretary Kemp requested that Governor Perdue call for Baker to appoint counsel to represent the State and immediately seek declaratory judgment in federal court. Governor Perdue sent this request to Baker on April 7. Secretary Kemp stated, “Today, Georgia remains the only state in the country barred from complying with the federal Help America Vote Act’s voter verification process. I am disappointed that Attorney General Baker has again refused to represent Georgia voters in federal court, choosing instead to play politics with the integrity of our elections. “The Attorney General’s statements to the press today and his refusal to represent the State are difficult to square with his previous acknowledgement that Georgia’s voter verification process is non-discriminatory. “Fortunately, the State can proceed without Mr. Baker. We will work with Governor Perdue to pursue preclearance in a way that removes politics from the preclearance process, so we can ensure that voter registration applicants are who they say they are and that applicants are U.S. citizens.” Background: Voter verification process Under federal law (the Help America Vote Act, or HAVA), states are required to verify the information provided by first time voter registration applicants with information currently on file in state or federal databases. In Georgia, the applicant’s first name, last name, date of birth, driver’s license number and the last four digits of his or her Social Security Number are verified with the Department of Driver Services (DDS) or Social Security Administration databases to ensure that the information matches. Senate Bill 86 Senate Bill 86 requires those registering to vote to submit one of several forms of proof of United States citizenship with their application. Applicants may use a driver’s license number, birth certificate, U.S. passport, U.S. naturalization documents or alien registration number, Bureau of Indian Affairs card, as well as other documents. SB 86 was modeled after a similar law in Arizona, which has already received DOJ preclearance. SB 86 was signed into law in May 2009, but has not yet been submitted for preclearance. Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum. ###

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 4/23/2010

AJC Article: Man arrested for posing as dentist

Man arrested for posing as dentist
By Alexis Stevens, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, April 9, 2010

A 34-year-old man has been arrested for running a dental practice in Sandy Springs without a license.

Omar Mohamad Abou Ghaouche has been charged with practice of dentistry without a license and the recovery of dental equipment and dangerous narcotic drugs, according to Brian Kemp, Georgia secretary of state.

Ghaouche has never been licensed in Georgia to practice dentistry, according to the secretary of state's office. He was given a "cease and desist" order, which he signed. Ghaouche was then booked into the Fulton County jail.

“The allegations in this case are very troubling, and an obvious threat to the Sandy Springs community and public health,” Kemp said.

Sandy Spring police and the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency assisted with the investigation.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 4/9/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Launches "Stop Voter Fraud" Website

Secretary of State Kemp Launches “Stop Voter Fraud” Website

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today launched a new website to prevent election and voter fraud in Georgia elections. The Stop Voter Fraud website can be found at: www.sos.ga.gov/StopVoterFraud. Citizens who witness questionable election-related activity can submit a Stop Voter Fraud form, or call the Secretary of State’s Voter Fraud Hotline at 877-725-9797.

“This e-government solution gives Georgians the opportunity to help us take every measure possible to ensure the integrity, security, and fairness of our elections process,” said Secretary Kemp.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 4/5/2010

Secretary Kemp speaks to Cherokee Chamber

Secretary of state speaks to chamber

Cherokee Tribune

by Ashley Fuller

Georgia's Secretary of State is working to assist small businesses during the economic decline.

Brian Kemp addressed local business leaders during the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce's Good Morning Cherokee breakfast Thursday.

Kemp said his office is helping business owners concentrate more of their time on their business. The Secretary of State's Web site, www.sos.georgia.gov, has been redesigned to make online renewal of professional licenses and the first time application of professional licenses more user friendly.

"We don't want people spending more time with government when they can be focusing on their own business," Kemp said.

Kemp's office is also behind a bill proposed in the state legislature that would allow people to take license exams online rather than drive to Macon to take the exam in person.

"It is in good shape to get passed," he said about the bill.

Kemp is also meeting with the state Department of Economic Development to find out how to partner together with them on specific initiatives.

Pam Carnes, president of the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, said expediting those processes would be a major help for the owner of a small business.

"Business owners don't have the time to get stuck in paperwork mania," she said.

Larry John of CitruSolution Carpet Cleaning of North Cherokee was happy to hear that someone at the state was aware of the needs of small businesses and doing something to help them.

"It was really neat to hear him saying small businesses are the key," he said, adding that Kemp had "respect for the small guy."

"After what we have been through, that was down home for me," he said.

Kemp was sworn in as secretary of state in January to finish the unexpired term of Karen Handel, who is running for Governor. The term ends this year. Kemp served in the Georgia Senate from 2002 to 2006.

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 4/5/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Intent to File Suit against Obama Justice Department

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Intent to File Suit against Obama Justice Department

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp announced today that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has again failed to administratively preclear the State of Georgia’s submission of its voter verification process. As a result, the State will exercise its right to seek preclearance of the voter verification process by bringing an action for a declaratory judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act requires certain states and jurisdictions, including Georgia, to obtain permission from the federal government prior to enforcing any change affecting any practice or procedure with respect to voting. The State may seek such "preclearance" of a change affecting voting by filing suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or by submitting the change to the DOJ.

“The State of Georgia will no longer watch the Obama Justice Department play politics with our election processes and protections. The Justice Department is denying Georgia’s legal requirement to verify the information provided by new voter registration applicants,” said Secretary Kemp.

Georgia implemented the voter verification process in April 2007 at the direction of the DOJ in order to comply with requirements in the federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). However, since the 2008 Presidential election, the Justice Department has twice prevented further use of the process.

Given the DOJ’s actions with respect to Georgia's implementation of the voter verification process, Secretary Kemp will ask Attorney General Thurbert Baker to bring a similar declaratory judgment action for preclearance of Senate Bill 86, signed into law in May 2009. Senate Bill 86 requires those registering to vote to submit one of several forms of proof of United States citizenship with their application. Applicants may use a driver’s license number, birth certificate, U.S. passport, U.S. naturalization documents or alien registration number, Bureau of Indian Affairs card as well as other documents.

Secretary Kemp added, “The voter verification process and Senate Bill 86 are common sense measures to ensure voter registration applicants are who they say they are, and that applicants are U.S. citizens.”

Senate Bill 86 was modeled after a similar law in Arizona, which has already received Section 5 preclearance.

Secretary Kemp has asked Attorney General Thurbert Baker to appoint a Special Assistant Attorney General to represent the State in the legal proceedings.
Background:
The voter verification process checks five criteria provided by first time applicants by mail who do not provide identification with the application with information in the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS) database or the Social Security Administration database. These criteria include first name, last name, date of birth, driver’s license number and the last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number. Additionally, if the applicant previously reported to DDS that he or she is not a U.S. citizen, that person is asked by their county registrar to provide proof of citizenship.

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 2/24/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Legislation to Implement Secure Online Voter Registration

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Legislation to Implement Secure Online Voter Registration

(Athens) – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s campaign announced today his support of legislation that will implement a secure online voter registration system for Georgia citizens. The system would allow any eligible voter registration applicant with a Georgia driver’s license or state identification card to register to vote through a secure network on the Secretary of State’s website.

“This common sense, secure online voter registration initiative will utilize technology to increase citizen access to elections, save Georgia taxpayer dollars, and prevent voter registration fraud,” Secretary Kemp said.

The secure online voter registration legislation SB406 system will verify the information provided by the applicant with information on record at the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS). The State’s voter registration system already receives information electronically from DDS when individuals register to vote at DDS customer service centers. Additionally, secure online voter registration will increase accuracy by removing the possibility of data entry errors.

Secure online voter registration has proven to be popular and cost effective in the states that already utilize it. Currently, nine other states have or will be implementing comparable secure online voter registration systems. At least seven other states have similar legislation pending.

The secure online voter registration legislation marks the third major election initiative supported this year by Secretary Kemp. Previously, Secretary Kemp announced two new initiatives specifically aimed at increasing election participation by Georgia’s approximately 200,000 military personnel and civilians stationed or living overseas.

Campaign Contact Information

Brian Kemp for Secretary of State
P.O. Box 5187
Athens, GA 30604
www.KempMeansBusiness.com
brian@votebriankemp.com
706-543-0188

Paid for by Brian Kemp for Secretary of State

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 2/12/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Major Endorsements from Sandy Springs And Fulton County Leaders

News Release

February 4^th, 2010 Contact: Tim Fleming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 706.543.0188

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Major Endorsements from Sandy Springs

And Fulton County Leaders

(Athens) – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s campaign announced today that it has received endorsements from numerous Sandy Springs and Fulton County leaders, including Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos, Councilwoman Ashley Jenkins and Councilman Chip Collins. The campaign also received endorsements from Fulton County State Representatives Chuck Martin and Tom Rice.

These elected leaders join hundreds of other state and local officials from across the state who have pledged their support to Secretary Kemp. In the coming months, the Kemp for Secretary of State campaign will announce additional endorsements highlighting support from leaders in communities throughout Georgia.

“I applaud my fellow members of the Sandy Springs community and colleagues in the House for lending their endorsement to Secretary Kemp,” said State Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R – Sandy Springs), Chairman of the House Ethics Committee and an early Kemp for Secretary of State supporter. “As a small business owner, former State Senator and now as Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brian has the leadership and experience required to help Georgia’s businesses grow and create jobs, protect taxpayer dollars and ensure fair and secure elections.”

“I am humbled to receive the endorsement of Sandy Springs Mayor Galambos, members of Sandy Springs City Council, and additional members of the Georgia House,” said Secretary Kemp. “Our grassroots campaign of cutting the red tape of bureaucracy for Georgia businesses, budget transparency, and protecting the integrity of our elections continues to resonate with voters and elected officials across our great State.”

In January, Secretary Kemp announced that he had recruited a statewide grassroots organization that includes at least one grassroots leader in each of Georgia’s 159 counties. Kemp has personally travelled over 30,000 miles to every corner of Georgia to build this solid campaign foundation.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 2/5/2010

Sec. Kemp supports Legislation to Increase Ballot Access for Military and Overseas Voters

Secretary of State Kemp Announces Support of Legislation to Increase Ballot Access for Military and Overseas Voters

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced his support of legislation to strengthen Georgia’s compliance with the federal Military and Overseas Voters Empowerment Act , or MOVE Act. This legislation will increase ballot access for the approximately 200,000 Georgians living or stationed overseas.

The bill HB 1073 was introduced by Rep. John Meadows (R – Calhoun), a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. The bill is designed to ensure that military and overseas voters receive their ballots in sufficient time to be able to return them and have them counted. Among the bill’s features is a requirement that absentee ballots must be sent to military and overseas voters 45 days prior to a general primary or general election; increased access to absentee ballots for an entire election cycle; and allowing military and overseas voters to receive a blank absentee ballot electronically.

“I’m proud to support and help implement these new requirements, which utilize available technology to increase ballot access and election participation for Georgia’s military and civilians stationed and living overseas,” said Secretary Kemp.

Rep. Meadows said, “I want to thank Secretary of State Kemp for his dedication to increasing opportunities for Georgia’s military members and overseas citizens to vote. This common sense legislation strengthens our commitment to our men and women in uniform, and ensures that their voice will be heard on Election Day.”

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 2/4/2010

Secretary of State Kemp Announces New Website to Help Georgia Businesses Cut Red Tape

Secretary of State Kemp Announces New Website to Help Georgia Businesses Cut Red Tape

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced the launch of a new website called Cut The Red Tape, which allows Georgians to submit ideas on how their government can create opportunities for businesses to grow, create new jobs, and eliminate bureaucratic red tape. The Cut The Red Tape website can be viewed at: www.sos.ga.gov/cuttheredtape

Secretary Kemp said, “As a small business owner and former state Senator, I am keenly aware of the challenges involved with operating and growing a business, in good economic times and bad. As Georgia’s Secretary of State, I am committed to helping businesses remove the red-tape roadblocks that impede business growth and job creation.”

Kemp added, “This website provides an opportunity to share ideas on how government can better serve Georgia businesses. We want to help Georgia businesses grow, and your input is a valued part of this process.”

Since taking office, Secretary Kemp has called upon his years of experience as a small business owner and state Senator to develop agency-wide plans that will achieve efficiencies through sound budget principles, budget transparency, and accountability to Georgia taxpayers.

For example, all businesses registered with the agency’s Corporations Division can pay their annual renewal fee online, and elect to receive renewal notices and other important information via email. This tool will also prevent corporate identity theft and fraud. Individuals can also form new businesses online. These resources will save Georgia businesses countless hours of time previously spent on paperwork and bureaucratic compliance.

Additionally, more than 35 license applications in the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division are now available online, and the agency is adding more each week.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/27/2010

Secretary Kemp Warns Consumers about Potential Scams Following the Recent Disaster in Haiti

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2010
CONTACT: MATT CARROTHERS
404-656-4269
DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS

Secretary Kemp Warns Consumers about Potential Scams Following the Recent Disaster in Haiti

Atlanta—Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today offered advice to individuals planning to donate to charities in response to the recent earthquake in Haiti. Secretary Kemp serves as Georgia’s chief charities regulator.

“During a time when so many want to help provide for those in need, it is crucial to ensure the consumer’s donations are received by legitimate organizations,” Secretary Kemp said. “It is important for individuals to research a charity before donating to verify that the charity is legitimate, that it is in compliance and that their generous gifts are being used for the stated cause.”

Secretary Kemp issued the following tips for charitable giving:

It is important to research charities before you contribute. The percentage of your contribution that a charity spends on fundraising activities, employee salaries, or expenses which do not directly support the charity’s stated mission varies greatly by organization.

A number of online resources can help you research charities. The Better Business Bureau (give.org) and GuideStar (guidestar.org) provide detailed information about nonprofit organizations. Also, take time to review the organization’s own website.

In addition, many charities must register with the Georgia Secretary of State’s office. You can research charities at the Secretary of State's website (sos.georgia.gov/securities).

Be wary of telephone solicitors asking for contributions. If you are solicited by phone, ask that the individual put their request in writing and provide complete information about the charitable program. Also, ask if the person conducting the solicitation is a volunteer or a paid solicitor.

NEVER give your credit card, debit card or bank account information to a telephone solicitor. Also, be particularly cautious of couriers willing to rush out to your home or business to pick up your contribution.

If a tax deduction is important to you, make sure the organization has a tax deductible “501(c)” status with the IRS. The IRS website (irs.gov/charities) has a searchable database of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions. Make sure you get a receipt which shows the amount of your contribution and states that the contribution is tax deductible.

Many charitable solicitors ask for contributions of clothing, other household items and vehicles. IRS rules concerning valuations and receipts have changed significantly in recent years; be sure you understand them completely (irs.gov/charities/contributors).

Not all organizations with charitable sounding names are actually charities. Many organizations adopt names confusingly similar to well-known charities. Be sure you know exactly who is asking for your contribution.

Watch out for organizations that use questionable techniques such as sending unordered merchandise or invoices after you have turned them down for a donation. You are under no obligation to pay for or return items received under these circumstances.

Citizens can file a complaint against a charitable organization on the Secretary of State’s Securities and Business Regulation Division website: http://www.sos.ga.gov/securities. Anyone with questions can call the Georgia Secretary of State’s Securities and Business Regulation Division, which oversees charities, at (404) 656-3920.

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/15/2010

Kemp Campaign First to Build Grassroots Organization

News Release

January 13, 2010 Contact: Tim Fleming 706.543.0188

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kemp Campaign First to Build Statewide Grassroots Organization

(Athens) – Secretary of State Brian Kemp’s campaign announced today that it has recruited a statewide grassroots organization that includes at least one grassroots leader in each of Georgia’s 159 counties. This makes the Kemp campaign the first statewide campaign from either party to have a true statewide organization for the 2010 election.

Campaign Manager Tim Fleming explained the Kemp strategy: “Over the last six months, the Kemp Campaign has been working tirelessly to build a true statewide organization of grassroots supporters. Secretary Kemp has personally travelled over 30,000 miles to every corner of the state building this organization from the ground up. Secretary Kemp’s work ethic is well known in political circles and has proven to be unmatched in this campaign.”

“The Kemp campaign is a grassroots army of hardworking, honest Georgians who have invested their time and money in Secretary Kemp’s vision of real leadership and a business approach to government. The foundation of our campaign is our grassroots team, and we will continue to build on this success all the way through election day.”

At the Richmond County GOP meeting on Saturday, Secretary Kemp was enthusiastically greeted by local grassroots Republicans. Dave Barbee, a longtime Republican activist said, “Finally, a true grassroots workhorse has risen to the top. The Republican base is proud that Brian Kemp is our new Secretary of State. We are excited about the grassroots focus he will bring to the statewide GOP ticket.”

The Kemp Means Business Grassroots Leaders

Appling – Stephen Tillman
Co-Chair – Kathy Tippins
Atkinson – Darrell Evans
Bacon – Jay Williams
Co-Chair – Gene Davis
Baker – Stanley Collins
Baldwin – Lyn Chandler
Banks – Tony and Stephanie Waldon
Barrow – Mike Pentecost
Bartow – Matt Gambil
Ben Hill – Scott Downing
Berrien – Keith Stone
Co-Chair – Eddie Owens
Bibb – Cade Joiner
Bleckley – Joe Meadows
Brantley – Ray Gillis
Brooks – Dozier Lovett
Bryan – Buddy Polk
Bulloch – Mike Anderson
Burke – Jimmy Dixon
Butts – G.S. Gator Hodges
Calhoun – Willard Dukes
Camden – David Rainer
Candler – Dean Stone
Carroll – Greg Camp
Catoosa – Alvin Worley
Charlton – Joe Hopkins
Chatham – Patrick Connell
Chattahoochee – Audrey Welker
Chattooga – Butch Eleam
Cherokee – Cindy Castello
Clarke – John Padgett
Clay – Ronnie Kuykendoll
Clayton – Judy Turpin
Clinch – Russ Goodman
Cobb – Josh Mackey
Coffee – Dominic Larricia
Colquitt – Kirk Friedlander
Columbia – Sarah Scott
Cook – Ronnie Sumner
Coweta – Jake Shepherd
Crawford – Jarred Waters
Crisp – Pam and David Dollar
Dade – Ann Brown
Dawson – Clint Bearden
Decatur – Dan Provence
Dekalb – Gary Maurice
Dodge – Brian Lowery
Dooly – Billy Sanders
Dougherty – Karen Ho
Douglas – Byron Hunt
Early – Peg Harris
Echols – Randy Courson
Effingham – Billy Dasher
Elbert – Rina Thomas
Emanuel – Chip Jackson
Evans – Peggy and John Perkins
Fannin – Steve Morris
Fayette – Warren Elwell
Floyd – Dr. Adam Clemons
Forsyth – Richard Ward
Franklin – David Phillips
Fulton – Tom Ladow
Co-Chair – Jared Thomas
Gilmer – Stacy Nicholson
Glascock – Jeffery Tucker
Glynn – Ruby Robinson
Gordon – Alvin Long
Grady – Richard Robinson
Greene – Ashley Sardella
Gwinnett – Johnny Barrett
Co-Chair – Mimi Laney
Co-Chair – Jim Nash
Co-Chair – Jeremy Brand
Habersham – Chan Caudell
Hall – Bill Frobos
Hancock – David Steed
Haralson – Danny Hutcheson
Harris – Mike Jolley
Hart – Bob Matthews
Heard – Terry Harper
Henry – Trea Pipkin
Houston – Judy Sanders
Irwin – Horace Hudgens
Jackson – Tonya Phillips
Jasper – Mary Carter
Jeff Davis – Lonnie Waters
Jefferson – John Adams
Co-Chair – Wayne Miller
Jenkins – George Parker
Johnson – Blaine Burley
Jones – Cecil Etheridge
Lamar – Nancy Thrash
Lanier – Alex Lee
Laurens – Buddy Adams
Lee – Scott Suber
Liberty – Jared Peden
Lincoln – Al Bean
Long – Ron Adams
Lowndes – Gerald Hall
Lumpkin – Melissa Dove
Macon – David Miller
Madison – Brenda Thompson
Marion – Ray Willis
McDuffie – Ned Harbeson
McIntosh – Mary Lou Forsyth
Co-Chair – Kelly Spratt
Meriwether – Courtney McCoy
Miller – Jay Wells
Co-Chair – Rhonda Wells
Mitchell – Tim Pinson
Monroe – Ruth Cole
Montgomery – Keith Hamilton
Morgan – JoAnne Parker
Murray – James Stallsworth
Muscogee – Dennis Hendrix
Newton – Delia Fleming
Oconee – Cokey Elder
Oglethorpe – Bobby Miller
Paulding – Edward Leidelmeijer
Peach – David Futral
Pickens – Mr. and Mrs. Charles McClain
Pierce – A.J. Strickland
Pike – Steve Hicks
Polk – Larry Reynolds
Pulaski – Carolyn Ragan
Putnam – Leslie Clark
Quitman – Billy Edmondson
Rabun – Kurt Cannon
Randolph – Jimmy Bradley
Richmond – Brian Epps
Rockdale – Kathleen Cominski
Schley – David Theiss
Screven – Osal Evans
Seminole – David Williams
Spalding – Eddie Freeman
Stephens – Lee Hicks
Stewart – Rossi Ross
Sumter – Jerry Battle
Talbot – Noneen Stevens
Taliaferro – Justin Brock
Tattnall – Pam Avery
Taylor – Scott Ray
Telfair – Ernest Dyal
Terrell – Wilbur “T.” Gamble
Thomas – Josh Herring
Tift – Bill Brim
Toombs – Lisa Davis
Towns – Bryan Miller
Treutlen – Gerald Hook
Troup – Buck Davis
Turner – Pat Story
Twiggs – R. Darren Mitchum
Union – George and Sue Upchurch
Upson – Jim and Jana Fletcher
Walker – Jim Powell
Walton – Rod Trahan
Ware – Carlton Corbitt
Warren – Scott Johnson
Washington – Benjie Tarbutton
Wayne – Adrienne Browning
Webster – John Downer
Wheeler – Russell Clark
White – Julie Price
Whitfield – Sonja Foster
Wilcox – Rex Bullock
Wilkes – O.A. Denard
Wilkinson – James Dean
Worth – Jack Bass

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/13/2010

Secretary of State revamps Web site

Atlanta Business Chronicle
Monday, January 11, 2010, 4:01pm EST

Secretary of State revamps Web site

The Georgia Secretary of State's Office has redesigned its Corporations Division’s Web site to make it easier to register corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships in Georgia.

The new design encourages customers to renew existing corporate entities and form new corporate entities online, provide their e-mail address to receive online renewal notices and notifications related to their filing, access business resources and more.

“Small businesses are the key to Georgia’s economy and future economic growth,” Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp said, in a news release. “Filling out paperwork detracts from the time businesses can spend on growth and job creation. The online renewal and registration process removes a significant impediment to small businesses, and reduces costs to Georgia’s taxpayers.”

More than 662,000 corporate entities are registered with the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.

Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/12/2010

Secretary of State’s Corporations Division Launches Redesigned Website to Ease Online Annual Renewal and Filing Process

Secretary of State’s Corporations Division Launches Redesigned Website to Ease Online Annual Renewal and Filing Process

Atlanta – Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp today announced the launch of the agency’s redesigned Corporations Division website. The new design encourages customers to renew existing corporate entities and form new corporate entities online, provide their email address to receive online renewal notices and important notifications related to their filing, access numerous business resources in a “Business Resources and Information” section and much more.

“Small businesses are the key to Georgia’s economy and future economic growth,” Kemp said. “Filling out paperwork detracts from the time businesses can spend on growth and job creation. The online renewal and registration process removes a significant impediment to small businesses, and reduces costs to Georgia’s taxpayers.”

Over 662,000 corporate entities are registered with the Secretary of State’s Corporations Division.

Georgia corporations, limited liability companies and limited partnerships are formed by filing with the Corporations Division. Some foreign (out of state) entities that do business in the state of Georgia are required to file with the Corporations Division. The Division serves as custodian of the filings and provides copies and/or certifications of the documents.

Brian Kemp was sworn in as Secretary of State in January, 2010. Among the office’s wide-ranging responsibilities, the Secretary of State is charged with conducting efficient and secure elections, the registration of corporations, and the regulation of securities and professional license holders. The office also oversees the Georgia Archives and the Capitol Museum.

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Posted by Tim Fleming in News Releases on 1/12/2010

Article from the Rome News-Tribune

Brian Kemp visits Rome: Secretary of State candidate meets with Chamber officials

by Doug Walker, Associate Editor

Athens Republican Brian Kemp wants to be an ambassador for the state of Georgia, and he thinks becoming the next Secretary of State will help him to do that.

Kemp, a former state senator and now owner of Kemp Properties in Athens, visited Wednesday with a small group of Rome business leaders and professionals at the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce.

Kemp said the Secretary of State’s Office is being run very efficiently, but he “wants to take it to the next level.” That next level, according to Kemp, would be close involvement with other state agencies to help reinvigorate business in Georgia.

“We need everybody pulling in the same direction for job growth,” he said. Kemp supports creation of a blue ribbon panel to assist small businesses to grow jobs throughout the state.

The GOP lawmaker who made an unsuccessful bid for agriculture commissioner several years ago is also a big advocate of new technologies.

Kemp has created several Web sites, one dubbed www.stopvoterfraud.us where citizens can report suspected voting violations.

Kemp has also created the site www.cutredtape.net. He says the many businesses “need ideas of how we can get government out of their life and make them more productive.”

Kemp told a small gathering that he feels new electronic voting machines are safe and secure, but he said that when a new generation of machines are developed, “I’d like to see us have some sort of paper back-up verification.”

Kemp is one of eight who have filed papers to seek the Secretary of State post.

The only other Republican candidate is Doug MacGinnitie from Sandy Springs. Five Democrats have filed including Gail Buckner of Jonesboro, Darryl Hicks of Fayetteville, Gary Horlacher from Peachtree City, Michael Mills of Atlanta and Angela Moore of Decatur. Robin Carlisle of Flowery Branch has also filed paperwork to seek the office but does not list a party affiliation.

Georgia’s current Secretary of State Karen Handel is making a bid for governor.

Posted by Brian Kemp in News Releases on 11/19/2009