Atlanta/ Politics & Govt
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Published on October 01, 2024
Georgia Election Rules Face Legal Challenge Ahead of Courtroom ShowdownSource: Google Street View

The stage is set in Georgia as the State Election Board's recent rule changes head to court today. The dispute centers around two new rules, approved in August by a Republican majority on the board, which Democrats contend could interfere with the election results certification process. The lawsuit against these changes seeks to uphold the November certification deadline established by Georgia law.

According to FOX 5 Atlanta, one of the rules in question requires election officials to conduct a "reasonable inquiry" into the accuracy of election results, but it lacks clarity on what this inquiry involves. The other rule gives individual county election board members greater flexibility in reviewing election-related documents. This has raised concerns that if former President Donald Trump does not win the state, his allies may use these rules to create delays or refuse certification altogether.

The legal challenge initiated by state and national Democratic parties, among others, also addresses the board's new rule requiring poll workers to count paper ballots by hand on election night, according to a report by USA Today. This directive raises further concerns about the complications it may introduce to an already contentious election process.

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger has previously voiced concerns about implementing significant rule changes so close to an election. He cautioned that such changes could create confusion among voters and poll workers, potentially undermining public trust in the electoral system. However, the State Election Board seems to agree with the Democrats that certification of county election results is necessary, contending that the lawsuit should be dismissed since any disputes are dependent on future events.