Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said on Friday that he would certify his state’s election results, formalizing President-election Joe Biden’s victory in the state.
In a brief speech, Kemp acknowledged that he is bound by state law to accept the certified election results. But at no point in his remarks did he acknowledge Biden as the president-elect, and he noted that certifying the results would give President Trump “other legal options” including the ability to request a new recount.
“State law now requires the governor's office to formalize the certification, which paves the way for the Trump campaign to pursue other legal options and a separate recount if they choose,” Kemp said.
In his remarks on Friday, Kemp spoke critically of the elections process and called on Raffensperger to address “concerns” about the system. He also threw his support behind a photo ID requirement for voters who cast absentee ballots.
“Voters casting their ballots in person must show a photo ID, and we should consider applying that same standard to mail-in balloting,” Kemp said.