As Georgia prepares for early voting starting on October 15, the state is already embroiled in controversy surrounding Georgia’s new election rules that critics argue could be used to contest the upcoming election results. The five-member Georgia State Election Board, responsible for overseeing the election process, recently passed several new regulations that have sparked significant debate. These changes introduced less than 90 days before the general election, have raised concerns among voting rights advocates who believe they could lead to significant delays and disputes in the certification of votes.
The rules, passed amid a backdrop of partisan tension, have particularly drawn attention due to their potential impact on the crucial electoral votes of Georgia, a state won by President Joe Biden in 2020 by a narrow margin of just over 10,000 votes.
Controversial Georgia’s New Election Rules Change and Partisan Influence
The Georgia State Election Board, now composed of three newly appointed Republican members, has come under scrutiny after being publicly praised by former President Donald Trump during a rally in Atlanta. Trump’s endorsement of these members has fueled concerns that the board’s actions may be influenced by partisan motives. During an August 3 speech, Trump lauded the board members, calling them “pit bulls fighting for transparency, honesty, and victory.” However, critics fear that this rhetoric is a prelude to potential interference in the election process, with the board’s new rules providing a framework that could be exploited to challenge the election results.
Among the most controversial of the Georgia’s new election rules is a provision that grants county election boards the discretion to delay reporting results to conduct a “reasonable inquiry” into the accuracy of the vote count. While this rule is intended to ensure the integrity of the election, its vague language has left many concerned that it could be used to justify unwarranted delays in certification, particularly in counties where partisan officials may be inclined to question unfavorable results. This concern is compounded by the fact that the board’s independent chairman, John Fervier, who was appointed by Republican Governor Brian Kemp, has expressed unease about the legality of some of the new rules passed by his colleagues.
Impact on Absentee Ballots and Voting Access
Georgia’s new election rules also introduce significant changes to the handling of absentee ballots and the use of ballot drop boxes, both of which were key components of the 2020 election due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the updated absentee ballot rule, voters who hand-deliver their ballots will now be required to present identification, a move that could potentially disenfranchise voters who lack the necessary documentation. Additionally, ballots delivered without a signed chain of custody document will be treated as provisional absentee ballots, subject to further scrutiny before being counted.
The board has also implemented stricter regulations on ballot drop boxes, requiring video surveillance of these sites after polls close. This change comes in response to unfounded claims of fraud related to drop boxes during the 2020 election, with Trump and his allies alleging that they were used to cast multiple votes. Voting rights advocates, however, argue that these measures disproportionately affect voters of color in low-income areas, where drop boxes were widely used in the previous election.
Poll Observers and Additional Election Protocols
Further stirring controversy, the board has expanded the access and authority of partisan poll observers, allowing them to monitor a broader range of election processes. The new rules permit observers to watch over activities such as the adjudication of provisional ballots, the processing of mail-in ballots, and the reconciliation of vote counts. Proponents of the rule, including Republican board member Julie Adams, argue that it enhances transparency. However, critics warn that it could lead to increased partisan interference and intimidation at polling sites.
In addition to these changes, the board introduced new protocols for ballot tracking, data storage, and the display of “U.S. Citizens Only” signs at polling locations. These measures, while aimed at improving election security, have raised concerns about their potential to create confusion and barriers to voting, particularly for marginalized communities. As Georgia heads into the 2024 election, the state’s new rules are set to play a pivotal role in shaping the outcome, with both sides of the political spectrum closely watching their implementation and impact on the democratic process.
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