Jefferson Riley, Ga. mayor, says he was joking when he told Democrats to vote tomorrow

An Atlanta-area mayor says he was joking when he posted a Facebook message telling Democrats to vote one day after Election Day.

“Remember the voting days: Republicans vote on Tuesday, 11/8 and Democrats vote on Wednesday, 11/9,” Mansfield Mayor Jefferson Riley wrote Tuesday.

Mr. Riley deleted the post, but not before social media users circulated a screenshot of it.

“Mayor Riley’s tweet was designed to confuse/perhaps intimidate voters. That is not a joke and amounts to a federal crime,” wrote Twitter user @Proverbs031.

“Jefferson Riley must be investigated for voter suppression. No official should be allowed to mislead voters re election time and place,” wrote Twitter user @artsyTrish.

Responding to the backlash, Mr. Riley said people just need to lighten up.

“People take things so seriously,” he told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “You can’t joke about anything anymore — especially on social media.”

The Washington Post reported that Mr. Riley has been a vocal Donald Trump supporter on social media. He has since deleted his personal Facebook page.