Officials discuss election safeguards ahead of 2026 vote

by Steven Glover

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - With Georgia’s 2026 midterm elections approaching, election officials from three coastal counties met Wednesday in Savannah to answer questions about how elections are administered and protected.

The free community conversation at Memorial Stadium was presented by Keep Our Republic and The Current GA. Officials from Chatham, Glynn and Liberty counties discussed ballot security, how votes are counted and what voters should know about the process.

“We’ve never tainted the lines, we’ve always done everything by the book, and we’ve followed the rules,” said Ronda Walthour, Liberty County’s chief registrar and elections supervisor.

Walthour said voters’ questions often include where to vote and whether they are registered.

“Trying to make sure they know where to go vote. And if they are registered,” Walthour said. “So, that’s one of the things we want to make sure that you know how to get to your precinct and vote securely.”

The forum also addressed concerns about election fraud among young people. Rosanna Horton, vice chair of the Chatham County Democratic Party, said the goal is to help voters better understand the process, not tell them how to vote.

“We’re not asking people only to vote X-Y-Z, we’re wanting people to be educated,” Horton said. “I’m an educator; I have my doctrines in education — it’s all about educating oneself and understanding it a little bit better.”

Horton encouraged people to participate regardless of their political affiliation.

“Please vote, please vote. I don’t care what side you’re on — just get out there and vote. It’s exciting,” she said.

The event was moderated by Margaret Coker, editor-in-chief of The Current GA. Organizers said the conversation was intended to give residents a chance to hear directly from local officials who administer elections.