Georgia's State Election Board has voted to approve a new rule that mandates poll workers to count paper ballots by hand after voting concludes. The decision, made against the advice of key state officials, has raised concerns about potential delays in reporting election night results.
The rule, supported by three Republican board members, aims to ensure the accuracy of ballot counts. However, critics fear it could be exploited to sow chaos and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
Opponents, including the state Attorney General's office and county election officials, argue that the rule lacks a legal basis and could face legal challenges. Two previous rules passed by the board are already the subject of lawsuits.
The new rule requires three poll workers at each precinct to hand count the number of paper ballots until all counts match. This process is intended to verify the accuracy of electronic tallies and maintain the integrity of the voting process.
While proponents emphasize the importance of accuracy, critics, including county election officials, warn that hand counting could lead to result delays and burden poll workers. The Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials has expressed concerns that the rule may erode public trust in the election process.
Despite reservations, board members supporting the rule prioritize accuracy over speed, highlighting the need to ensure the integrity of the election results. Some states, like Illinois, have successfully implemented hand counting without significant delays or security issues.
The board also deferred a similar proposal for early in-person voting locations until 2025. Amid ongoing debates over election rules, concerns have been raised about the timing and efficacy of implementing new regulations close to Election Day.
As the State Election Board navigates these contentious issues, the focus remains on balancing accuracy, efficiency, and public trust in the electoral process.
