Fulton County, Georgia, February 11, 2026
The FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into alleged deficiencies in the Fulton County, Georgia, vote count during the 2020 presidential election. This follows the execution of a search warrant that led to the seizure of ballots and materials linked to the election. Concerns include the absence of scanned images for a significant number of ballots, potential multiple scanning of ballots, and inconsistencies in audit tallies. Despite previous state-level investigations finding no widespread fraud, this federal inquiry aims to determine if any actions breached federal laws.
Atlanta
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recently executed a search warrant at election offices in < b >Fulton County, Georgia, seizing hundreds of boxes of ballots and other materials related to the < b >2020 presidential election. This action stems from an ongoing criminal investigation into alleged “deficiencies or defects” in the county’s vote count.
The unsealed affidavit that provided the legal basis for the search details concerns about potential improprieties, focusing on whether any alleged issues were intentional acts that violated federal criminal laws. The investigation was initiated following a referral from an attorney who had previously worked to challenge the 2020 election results.
Details of the Investigation
The affidavit highlights several areas of concern regarding the 2020 election processes in Fulton County. Among the “deficiencies or defects” being examined is the county’s acknowledgment that it does not possess scanned images for all of the 528,777 ballots cast during the 2020 election. Additionally, the FBI is looking into confirmations that some ballots were scanned multiple times during the recount process.
Further issues cited in the affidavit include inconsistencies in tallies during an audit of ballots and reports from auditors who observed “pristine” absentee ballots that did not appear to have been creased or folded, which would typically be expected for mailed ballots. These points form the core of the FBI’s inquiry into potential violations of federal law concerning election integrity and record retention.
Previous Reviews and State-Level Context
It is important to note that many of the allegations outlined in the affidavit are based on claims that have been extensively discussed and, in some instances, previously investigated at the < b >State-level. Multiple audits and reviews conducted by < b >Georgia state officials, including the Secretary of State’s office, have previously found no evidence of widespread fraud or intentional misconduct that would have altered the outcome of the 2020 election. These reviews often attributed issues to disorganization or a lack of urgency in resolving administrative matters, rather than criminal intent.
For instance, while the county admitted to not having all scanned ballot images, officials have explained this as an oversight, asserting that original paper ballots remain available. Regarding the multiple scanning of ballots during a recount, previous investigations found no evidence that these ballots were counted more than once, and some analyses suggested that if they were, the effect would have been negligible or even beneficial to the former President.
Despite these prior < b >State-level findings, the FBI’s current criminal investigation is examining whether these “deficiencies or defects” were the result of intentional actions, which could constitute violations of federal law. This includes potential breaches of laws related to the preservation and retention of election records, which can be a misdemeanor, and a law making it a felony to knowingly and willfully deprive residents of a fair and impartially conducted election process.
Broader Implications
The 2020 presidential election in < b >Georgia was closely contested, with President Joe Biden winning the < b >State-level vote by approximately 11,800 votes. The results were certified multiple times by < b >Georgia‘s Republican Governor and Secretary of State. The affidavit makes no mention of evidence of foreign interference, a theory previously circulated by some who questioned the 2020 vote count.
The seizure of these materials and the ongoing federal probe underscore the enduring scrutiny surrounding the 2020 election. This latest development invites careful observation of the investigative process and its ultimate findings, reflecting the earnest pursuit of clarity in matters of electoral integrity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the focus of the FBI’s investigation in Fulton County, Georgia?
- The FBI’s investigation is focused on alleged “deficiencies or defects” in the Fulton County, Georgia, vote count during the 2020 presidential election.
- What specific issues are being examined by the FBI?
- The FBI is examining issues such as Fulton County’s admission that it does not possess scanned images for all 528,777 ballots cast in the 2020 election, and confirmations that some ballots were scanned multiple times during the recount process.
- Has Fulton County addressed the issue of missing scanned ballot images?
- Fulton County officials have explained the lack of all scanned ballot images as an oversight, stating that original paper versions of the ballots are still available.
- Were these allegations of election irregularities previously investigated?
- Many of the allegations are based on claims that have been extensively discussed and, in some instances, previously investigated at the State-level by Georgia state officials, with no evidence of widespread fraud or intentional misconduct found to have affected the election outcome.
- What federal laws are potentially involved in the investigation?
- The investigation is looking into potential violations of federal laws related to the preservation and retention of election records and a law that makes it a crime to knowingly and willfully deprive residents of a fair and impartially conducted election process.
Key Features of the FBI’s Fulton County Election Probe
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Subject of Investigation | Alleged “deficiencies or defects” in the Fulton County vote count during the 2020 presidential election. | State-level |
| Primary Action | FBI search and seizure of hundreds of boxes of ballots and other election materials. | State-level |
| Origin of Investigation | Referral from an attorney who worked to challenge 2020 election results. | State-level |
| Key Allegations | Missing scanned ballot images for 528,777 ballots; ballots scanned multiple times during recount; inconsistencies in audit tallies; observations of unfolded absentee ballots. | State-level |
| Previous State-level Findings | Prior audits and reviews found no evidence of widespread fraud or intentional misconduct, often citing disorganization. | State-level |
| Potential Federal Violations | Laws related to election record preservation/retention (misdemeanor) and knowingly depriving residents of a fair election (felony). | Nationwide |
| Election Outcome (Georgia) | President Joe Biden won Georgia by approximately 11,800 votes; results certified multiple times by state officials. | State-level |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
