ATLANTA (AP) — Lawmakers in several Republican-led states have been looking to exert more authority over state and local election offices. They’re trying to claim new powers that Democrats say could be used to target left-leaning counties in future elections. The moves range from requiring legislative approval of court settlements in election-related lawsuits to creating paths for taking over local election offices. Attempts by Republican legislatures to expand their power over how elections are run have soared since the 2020 presidential election, spurred by former President Donald Trump’s false claims of widespread fraud. Republican lawmakers say the moves are necessary oversight aimed at improving elections.
