In a controversial move, the Georgia State Election Board has decided to hand count ballots on election night.

The rule, approved by a slim majority, has sparked significant debate across political and legal spectrums, Fox News reported.

The newly approved rule mandates that poll workers manually count the paper ballots immediately following the close of voting. This decision was reached with a narrow 3-2 vote by the board.

Opposition was significant, with the state attorney general’s office, the secretary of state’s office, and an association of county election officials all against the measure. Despite this, three board members, who have received accolades from former President Donald Trump, pushed the rule through.

Debate Surrounds New Voting Procedure

John Fervier, the Board chair and a Republican, cast one of the two dissenting votes. He highlighted the practical difficulties, particularly the training of poll workers, as a major concern. "It's too late to train a lot of poll workers," Fervier stated, emphasizing the logistical challenges.

Critics of the rule argue that it will delay the reporting of election results, potentially affecting both local and national news cycles. They also contend that the rule was introduced at the last minute, adding to the complexity of its implementation.

Additionally, a memo from State Attorney General Chris Carr’s office stated that the rule has no grounding in state law, labeling it as an unauthorized form of legislation.

Implementation Details Stir Controversy

The rule specifies that three separate poll workers at each polling place will count paper ballots until all counts agree. This detail, meant to ensure accuracy, adds another layer of complexity to the election process.

If any scanner holds more than 750 ballots at the close of voting, poll managers can postpone the count until the next day, which could further delay results.

Georgia, a key swing state, has experienced its share of close elections. In the 2020 presidential race, approximately five million votes were cast, with over half during early voting, showcasing the state's high voter turnout.

Public Figures Voice Their Opinions

Prominent conservative figures, including former Trump spokesperson Liz Harrington and Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, expressed public support for the rule. Greene shared her approval on social media, stating, "YES!!! Way to go GA State Election Board!! Thank you for taking every step to fight for election integrity!!"

Harrington mirrored these sentiments with a "Great news" post on X. Their endorsements highlight the political divide surrounding the rule.

The implications of this rule could be significant in the upcoming presidential election, where recent polls show a tight race in Georgia between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with Trump slightly ahead.

Election Integrity at the Forefront

Some view the decision to hand count ballots as a step towards ensuring election integrity, a hotly debated topic in U.S. politics. Others see it as a move that could undermine trust in the electoral process by introducing unnecessary delays and complications.

The divergent views on the rule reflect broader national debates about election security and the balance between ensuring accurate results and facilitating a smooth electoral process.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, this development will likely remain a focal point, with potential legal challenges and further political debate on the horizon.