Georgia election officials alarmed by last-minute voting changes

Georgia's State Election Board is set to vote on nearly a dozen rule changes that could impact the upcoming election, raising concerns among local election officials. Many officials, including Travis Doss from Richmond County, fear that these last-minute changes will disrupt the training and preparation processes already underway for poll workers. In Gwinnett County, where training for 2,000 poll workers is about to begin, the uncertainty surrounding the rules complicates their efforts, especially if retraining becomes necessary. The new rules may allow local election board members to refuse to certify election results if they identify discrepancies or cannot review all requested election records. This has sparked backlash, as Georgia's Secretary of State and election law experts argue that such discretion is not supported by state law. The situation reflects a broader trend where local Republican board members in swing states have increasingly tested their authority since the 2020 election. Two lawsuits have been filed against the proposed certification rules, with the Democratic Party of Georgia and the Democratic National Committee leading one of the suits. A trial is scheduled for October 1, highlighting the contentious nature of the changes. Election officials express frustration that policymakers seem more inclined to heed activists questioning election integrity rather than experienced election professionals. In Cobb County, election officials are enhancing training and coordination with law enforcement to ensure poll worker safety amid rising tensions. Despite the challenges, officials like Zach Manifold in Gwinnett County remain confident in their team's preparedness, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the electoral process.