The Georgia State Election Board convened on Friday to discuss and vote on nearly a dozen proposed changes to election rules ahead of the November general election. Among the most contentious proposals was a new requirement for all ballots to be hand-counted at each polling location, which the board has now approved.
Supporters argue that hand-counting ballots is essential for ensuring election integrity and increasing public trust in the process. However, opponents warn that this rule could lead to significant delays in reporting election results, especially in larger counties. The concern is echoed by election officials who fear the change will create logistical challenges at a time when election preparations are already underway.
The meeting, held at the Georgia State Capitol, drew a large crowd, requiring two overflow rooms to accommodate the number of attendees. In addition to the hand-counting requirement, the board is considering other changes, including a proposal to publicly post the names of all registered voters for the Nov. 5 election.
Critics, including members of the Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials (GAVREO), expressed concerns about the timing of these changes, warning they could disrupt the preparation and training of poll workers. “Any last-minute changes to the rules risk undermining the public’s trust in the electoral process and place undue pressure on those responsible for managing the polls,” said GAVREO President W. Travis Doss Jr.
Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger also voiced concern that the rule changes could cause confusion and chaos on election night, a view shared by many Democratic officials. “Activists seeking to impose last-minute changes in election procedures outside of the legislative process undermine voter confidence and burden election workers,” Raffensperger said.
During the public comment period, 30 people spoke, with the majority opposing the changes. One speaker highlighted the already tight timeline for election officials, saying, “Now is the time for election officials to train workers, perform security protocols, print ballots, and mail absentee ballots, not to learn new rules and procedures.”
Despite the concerns, some supporters believe that tighter election rules are crucial for maintaining free and fair elections. “Any way we can tighten up elections and ensure transparency is critical to voter confidence,” said one attendee in favor of the new rules.
MORE: Georgia election systems get ‘health check’ ahead of November
The board has only voted on the hand-counting rule so far, with 10 more proposed changes still under consideration. Any approved changes will take effect 20 days from now, just as overseas and military ballots are being sent out and in-person early voting begins.
The Cobb County Election Board has also urged the state to refrain from making rule changes so close to the election, unanimously voting earlier this week to call for a halt to any further modifications.
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