Republican Ted Metz outlines election overhaul plan in secretary of state race

Ted Metz, who has spent more than a decade advocating for election reform, is campaigning on eliminating electronic voting systems and replacing them with hand-marked paper ballots.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia’s race for Secretary of State is drawing renewed attention as Republican candidate Ted Metz lays out a platform centered on sweeping changes to the state’s election system.

He argues that a physical paper trail is essential to ensuring election transparency and restoring voter confidence.

A key focus of his campaign is opposition to Georgia’s current voting technology, including machines produced by Dominion Voting Systems. Metz has pointed to legal challenges and ongoing debates over election integrity as justification for moving away from electronic systems entirely.

His proposal goes beyond voting equipment. Metz is also calling for stricter election protocols, including enhanced chain-of-custody procedures, comprehensive audits, and increased penalties for election violations. He has voiced support for public ballot inspection measures, while emphasizing the need for what he describes as “honest, transparent, and verifiable elections.”

At the same time, Metz’s platform includes opposition to several current voting practices, such as ballot drop boxes, ballot harvesting, and expanded absentee voting measures. Supporters argue these positions prioritize security, while critics contend they could limit voter access.

This is not Metz’s first run for statewide office. He previously ran for governor in 2018 as a Libertarian candidate before later aligning with the Republican Party. He says that experience helped shape his current approach and broaden his understanding of Georgia’s political landscape.

If elected, Metz would be responsible for overseeing elections across the state, a role that requires balancing election security with accessibility for millions of voters. As the campaign continues, his proposals are expected to be closely scrutinized by both supporters and opponents.

The Secretary of State race remains a critical one in Georgia, with election policy and voter confidence taking center stage ahead of the next election cycle.