The Georgia Supreme Court has blocked a set of new election rules that were supported by allies of former President Donald Trump, marking a significant win for Democrats and election advocacy groups. The court’s unanimous decision on Tuesday came as early voting began in the critical battleground state. The seven contested rules, passed by the State Election Board, were challenged by several groups arguing that the board had exceeded its authority.
Key among the blocked regulations were requirements for county election officials to conduct a “reasonable inquiry” into results before certifying them and provisions that would allow them to examine all election-related documents before certification. Other measures included mandatory hand-counting of ballots at polling places, expanded poll-watching access, and around-the-clock video surveillance of ballot drop boxes at early voting locations.
The Georgia Supreme Court’s decision maintains a ruling from Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox, who previously declared the rules “illegal, unconstitutional, and void” due to the State Election Board’s lack of authority. While the Georgia Supreme Court’s ruling did not address the legality of the rules directly, it declined to stay the lower court’s decision, effectively preventing the rules from being enforced during this election cycle.
Republicans Appeal, But Court Declines to Fast-Track Case
Republican groups, including the Republican National Committee and the Georgia Republican Party, had intervened in the case, appealing the lower court’s decision and requesting an emergency review to reinstate the rules. However, the Georgia Supreme Court rejected the request to expedite the case, indicating it would proceed “in the ordinary course.” This means the contested rules will not affect the 2024 election, with the legal challenge set to play out in the coming months.
Election advocacy group Eternal Vigilance Action, which brought the case, argued that the new rules would create unnecessary confusion and undermine voter confidence. Scot Turner, the group’s executive director and a former GOP state lawmaker, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. He emphasized that the rules went beyond the powers granted by the Georgia Constitution and criticized the overreach of the State Election Board.
“This is a victory for principle,” said Turner. “True conservatives believe that only elected constitutional officers should have the power to make law. It’s not about party loyalty, but about upholding the rule of law.”
The Georgia Supreme Court’s refusal to fast-track the review means local election officials are not required to follow the new regulations, safeguarding the current election process from last-minute disruptions.
High Voter Turnout and Continued Legal Battles
As early voting continues, Georgia is witnessing a substantial turnout, with 25% of the state’s active voters having already cast their ballots, according to state election officials. The blocked rules had raised concerns among Democrats, who warned that their implementation could result in post-election chaos and potential delays in certifying election results.
A separate legal challenge to the hand-count rule resulted in another temporary block by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who argued that the rule would cause “administrative chaos” and disrupt the orderly conduct of elections.
In response to the court’s latest ruling, Democratic leaders celebrated the decision, stating that it would allow millions of Georgians to vote without the risk of interference. “Today’s ruling ensures Trump won’t be able to manipulate election results if he loses again,” said campaign representatives for Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party of Georgia.
As legal challenges continue to unfold, the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for future elections in Georgia and beyond, especially in states where election integrity remains a deeply contested issue.
