Georgia Election Board Moves to Allow Delays in Certification of Results

ATLANTA (AP) — The Georgia State Election Board has approved a contentious new rule aimed at ensuring accurate vote counting, despite opposition from its nonpartisan chair and the sole Democratic member. Critics, including Democrats and election integrity advocates, fear that the rule could empower Trump-aligned county election board members to disrupt the certification process if they disagree with election outcomes. The rule allows county officials to examine all election-related documentation before certifying results, a move that some argue could lead to unnecessary delays and confusion. Supporters of the rule, including Fulton County Commissioner Bridget Thorne, argue that it is essential for election board members to verify results thoroughly before declaring them accurate. However, opponents contend that the rule exceeds the State Election Board's authority and could create burdens for election workers during the critical certification period. The board's decision comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding election integrity, particularly in light of past attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. The rule's approval follows a recent request by the board to the state attorney general to investigate Fulton County, a move that has raised further concerns about the politicization of election oversight. Critics highlight that the rule could allow for significant delays in the certification process, potentially impacting the upcoming elections. The board's Republican members, while supporting the rule, acknowledged the need for further refinement to ensure compliance with existing laws. As the rule is set to take effect by early September, its implications for the upcoming elections remain uncertain, with many fearing it could lead to chaos in the vote-counting process.