Georgia public opposes election rule change amid certification concerns

Public comments submitted to the Georgia State Election Board revealed overwhelming opposition to a proposed rule change that would empower county election board members to disrupt election certification through unchecked inquiries. The comments, totaling nearly 300, were collected following a notice of proposed rulemaking issued on July 3, 2024. Less than ten comments supported the rule change, while over 250 citizens and organizations expressed their concerns. Eleven state legislators also voiced their opposition, highlighting the potential for inconsistencies in election certification across the state. Critics of the rule change raised alarms about the possibility of harassment towards election officials and the risk of delaying the certification process. Many commenters pointed out that the vague term “reasonable inquiry” lacked a clear definition, which could lead to arbitrary actions by county election board members. This ambiguity raised fears about the erosion of public confidence in the electoral process. Nongovernmental organizations joined the chorus of opposition, arguing that the State Election Board was overstepping its authority by proposing a rule that contradicts existing Georgia law. The proposed amendment aimed to shift the certification process from a ministerial duty to a discretionary one, which could fundamentally alter how elections are managed in the state. The strong public response indicates a significant concern among Georgians regarding the integrity and reliability of their electoral system. As the State Election Board considers these comments, the future of the proposed rule change remains uncertain, reflecting the broader national conversation about election integrity and governance.