Mark Swanson, a Rome businessman who is challenging actions of the local government, the district attorney, and election officials, talked about his evidence and experiences in front of a crowd of around 30 at the Rome Young Republicans meeting last Sunday.
Swanson’s talk focused on individuals asserting their constitutional rights and speaking up when things appear amiss.
“The Constitution was not written for the government,” he said. “The government doesn’t own the Constitution. We own the Constitution. The Constitution exists so you the government doesn’t forget we have rights.”
Swanson was arrested during a public Floyd County Commission meeting when he objected to the county government extending a contract with the law firm of McRae, Smith, Peek, Harmon & Monroe. He was later indicted on a different charge. For more on that story, click here.
Swanson’s fight with local government stemmed from his discovery of 2020 and 2022 election irregularities. He now contends every election in Georgia is unconstitutional and not representative of the vote and will of the people. For more on that story, click here.
At Sunday’s meeting, Swanson talked about details of his efforts and more of what he discovered over the years. He also shared Georgia law on specific topics and showed people how to look up the law. He also talked about how to file for open records.
One issue he pointed out was the numbers in the 2024 election that don’t make sense. Swanson said President Donal Trump holds the vast majority of the vote in Floyd County but, in raw votes, was ninth on the list with the Floyd County district attorney gaining more votes.
Swanson’s ordeal isn’t over. Polk County District Attorney Jaeson Smith, who took over prosecuting his case, filed to not prosecute his case last week. Swanson said that was to stop his federal lawsuit filed after his arrest. His charges remain, although unprosecuted. He gave a written response.
“I believe it was a last ditch effort to correct his prior mistakes and protect his benefactors,” Swanson said.
Swanson said he and his attorney are waiting on a hearing on the nolle prosequi motion. Once a Superior Court judge signs off with the answer his attorney supplied, the criminal case and all charges against Swanson will be dropped and he can proceed with the federal civil suit.
Swanson also initiated a class action lawsuit relating to the case of state Sen. Colton Moore. Moore was arrested last year for attempting to enter the Georgia General Assembly. He was banned by the new House Speaker after making disparaging comments regarding former Georgia House Speaker David Ralston. For more on that story, click here.
Swanson said the most important thing people can do is for citizens to band together to ask questions and hold elected officials accountable.
Melody Dareing is a freelance writer for publications in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and Germany. She is a former news director for Adelphia Channel 4 and WBHF news.