The Georgia state election board has passed a controversial new rule requiring hand-counting of paper ballots on Election Day. The decision, made by the board’s Trump-aligned majority, mandates that poll workers hand-count ballots before tabulating the results.
The board voted 3-2 in favor of the hand-count rule, with Republican members supporting it, despite warnings from the state attorney general that the rule might exceed the board’s legal authority. State Attorney General Chris Carr had cautioned the board, stating the rule could face legal challenges due to its questionable legality.
Voting experts have raised concerns about the new rule, warning that hand-counts are prone to human error, time-consuming, and costly. Critics argue that this could lead to delays in certifying results and create a chain-of-custody problem with ballots. The current process relies on machines for accuracy and efficiency, and the change would disrupt established procedures.
Election officials across Georgia, including Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, have voiced concerns over the rule’s timing, stating that implementing new procedures so close to an election would cause confusion and strain already stretched election offices. The rule has faced opposition from local election offices, who fear that it will lead to inaccuracies and logistical challenges.
Former President Donald Trump has publicly praised the Republican members of the board who supported the rule, calling them “pit bulls fighting for honesty.” However, critics argue that the rule could sow chaos and undermine confidence in the election process.
With the upcoming election less than two months away, local officials are urging the board to halt the changes. Early voting in Georgia begins on October 15, and mail-in ballots will be sent out starting October 7. Many fear that the new hand-count rule will disrupt the election process and create unnecessary delays.
