In a contentious move, the Georgia State Election Board has passed a new rule that could potentially allow local election boards to halt the certification of election results. This policy, which some fear may bring sweeping consequences for the crucial swing state's upcoming elections, was reported by WABE. The rule states that certification shall mean "to attest, after reasonable inquiry, that the tabulation and canvassing of the election are complete and accurate and that the results are a true and accurate accounting of all votes cast in that election."

However, the term "reasonable inquiry" has faced scrutiny for its vagueness, which detractors argue could lead to chaos following elections. As per WABE, Sara Tindall Ghazal, the lone Democrat on the State Election Board, highlighted that Georgia law does not give local election boards the discretion to refuse certification. Instead, any challenges to election results must be addressed through the judicial system post-certification. In her criticism against the new rule, Ghazal was quoted saying, "I want to make it clear for the record that this board is determining that 90 days before the election is not too late to be making changes to our election rules and procedures."

The rule was approved narrowly with a 3-2 vote, splitting along party lines; the Republican members voted in favor, while Ghazal and the nonpartisan chair voted against. The passage of this measure comes on the heels of GOP election board members refusing to certify primary elections earlier this year, citing their lack of access to records to verify the integrity of the results. Rhetoric from former President Donald Trump at a recent Atlanta rally appeared to endorse the Republican board members' actions.

Amid concerns of potential election interference, a lawsuit challenging the new rule is expected. At the same event when the rule was approved, the board also moved forward with additional rules concerning the handling of advance voting ballots via drop boxes, which have been a focal point for those promoting claims of election fraud. These amendments by the Republican members are slated for final approval in September, as reported by WABE. This ongoing saga in Georgia's electoral process continues to underscore the deep divide and tensions surrounding the integrity of the voting system and the means by which democracy is administered.