Rep. Collins: Georgia Voting Woes the Same 'Over and Over Again'

Georgia always seems to have the same election problems with the same counties, no matter what machines are used, and better planning and training is necessary, Rep. Doug Collins said Wednesday. Tuesday's primary was marked by long lines after new touchscreen voting machines came into play. 

"What we are seeing again in Georgia is what we have seen in previous elections," the Georgia Republican said on Fox News' "Fox and Friends." "Counties have the responsibility for putting up and setting up elections as they go and putting in enough voting machines, having enough trained workers, and getting that done."

Many voters in Fulton County, which includes the city of Atlanta, did not get their absentee ballots in time, meaning they had to vote in person, causing some to stand in line for hours. Also, precinct workers said none of the new touchscreen machines were working and many polling places were closed in an effort to encourage absentee voting.

Collins said he finds it concerning that in Georgia's metro areas, "we seem to have the same problems over and over again."

Collins also discussed the ongoing investigation into the origins of the Russia probe and said he agrees with Attorney General William Barr that there was a coordinated effort against President Donald Trump even before he decided to run for president. 

"When he was the nominee, they continued the process and they were just doing everything to derail the candidacy," he said.  

The lawmaker also commented on the growing call to defund police departments nationwide, saying it's not a "rational idea," but one that is designed to "stoke fears and stoke the passion" in a way that is not responsive to Americans' needs. 

"As a son of a state trooper, I believe our law enforcement needs to be stronger and we don't need the bad apples and bad actors who do criminal acts like they did in the George Floyd case to be allowed to stay on the police force," said Collins. "We need to make sure our police have what they need but be held accountable as well."

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