Seven new election rules recently passed by the State Election Board in Georgia have been deemed “illegal, unconstitutional, and void” by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox. The invalidated rules include requirements for hand-counting ballots and certification of election results, which had sparked controversy.
The State Election Board, led by three Republicans endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has faced backlash over the rules, with multiple lawsuits filed by Democratic Party organizations and local election officials. Concerns have been raised that the rules could be used to delay or cast doubt on election results.
One of the blocked rules mandated three separate poll workers to hand-count Election Day ballots to ensure accuracy. Critics argued this would slow reporting and burden poll workers, while supporters claimed it would only add extra minutes to the process.
The legal battle continues, with a temporary block on the hand-count for the upcoming election while its legality is considered. The controversy surrounds rules related to certification, with arguments over the importance of ensuring vote accuracy versus the potential for delay or denial of certification.
As Georgia voters navigate these changes, the future of election rules in the state remains uncertain amidst a backdrop of political tensions and legal challenges.