Fulton County officials decry FBI raid on election records

Court filings allege the raid was 'designed to intimidate' voters and undermine confidence in elections

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Fulton County, Georgia officials have filed a lawsuit against the federal government after the FBI raided the county's main election operations center and seized records from the 2020 presidential election. In court filings, the county argued the raid may undermine voter confidence and fuel false narratives about American elections.

Why it matters

The raid on Fulton County's election facility has raised concerns about the federal government's handling of sensitive election materials and the potential impact on voter trust in the electoral process. The county alleges the FBI's actions were unconstitutional and intended to intimidate voters.

The details

The FBI seized approximately 700 boxes containing 2020 election records, including original ballots, voter lists, tally sheets, and absentee ballot envelopes. County officials warn the materials' whereabouts are unknown and are concerned about potential tampering or illegal copying. The county argues the FBI intentionally circumvented pending civil judicial proceedings to obtain the records, bypassing the normal legal process.

  • Last month, the FBI entered the Fulton County election operations center and seized records from the 2020 presidential vote.
  • On February 9, 2026, court filings related to Fulton County's lawsuit against the federal government were unsealed by a judge.

The players

Robb Pitts

Chair of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners, who alleged the FBI raid showed 'callous disregard' for constitutional rights and was 'designed to intimidate' voters.

J.P. Boulee

U.S. District Judge who ordered the Department of Justice to publicly reveal the arguments made to secure the search warrant against the Fulton County election facility.

Tulsi Gabbard

Director of National Intelligence who was present during the FBI raid, which county officials argue was likely meant to intimidate voters.

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What they’re saying

“Knowing that the federal government can physically seize and rummage through election records, long after the election has been certified, will predictably chill voter participation and undermine voters' confidence in the security and secrecy of their ballots.”

— Robb Pitts, Chair of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners (democracydocket.com)

“The First Amendment protects the right to vote free from intimidation. The seizure of all 2020 election records in a highly public and intimidating show of federal force, with the conspicuous onsite presence of the Director of National Intelligence and the Deputy Director of the FBI, directly threatens that interest.”

— Robb Pitts, Chair of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners (democracydocket.com)

What’s next

U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee has ordered the Department of Justice to publicly reveal by Tuesday the arguments federal prosecutors made in persuading a magistrate judge to approve the search warrant against the Fulton County election facility.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the federal government's handling of sensitive election materials and the potential impact on voter trust in the electoral process. The raid on Fulton County's election facility raises questions about the legality of the FBI's actions and the risk of undermining confidence in American elections.