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As described by its website, the Georgia secretary of state \"organizes and oversees all election activity, including voter registration, municipal, state, county and federal elections. That person is responsible for certification of election results as well as certifying the qualification of candidates and preparation of ballots and election forms and materials.\" The office also includes divisions which register corporations and regulate securities and charities, among other responsibilities.

\"PHOTO:
John Bazemore/AP, FILE
PHOTO: Georgia Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp gives a thumbs-up to supporters, in Athens, Ga., Nov. 7, 2018.
>

But it was the contentious gubernatorial election that brought the office to the national spotlight. Last week, a group affiliated with Abrams brought a federal lawsuit against the interim secretary of state, Robyn Crittenden, seeking reforms that included halting voter purging practices, requiring the use of voting machines that provide paper confirmations and taking steps to reduce lines at polling places.

\"While we've been able to use the court systems in recent days to force some of these changes, we need a leader who will do these voluntarily,\" Abrams said, referring to Barrow, on a call with reporters over the weekend.

\"PHOTO:
John Amis/AP, FILE
PHOTO: Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams addresses supporters during an election night watch party in Atlanta, Nov. 6, 2018.
>

Additionally, the suit seeks the re-implementation of federal government oversight of any future changes the state wishes to make related to elections -- a step known as \"preclearance\" that was rolled back in 2013 after a challenge was successful with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Raffensperger, the newly elected secretary of state, could potentially make a number of these changes before the case is decided, but the Republican is less likely to be amenable to the demands as Barrow would have been. Abrams said Saturday that no matter the winner, the lawsuit will proceed.

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