Breaking News: Georgia State Election Board Approves Rule That Could Delay Certification of Presidential Election Results
By Joseph Ax
Georgia's Republican-controlled state election board voted 3-2 to empower county election board members to investigate discrepancies in the number of cast ballots and voters in each precinct before certification. This controversial rule could potentially throw the outcome of the battleground state's vote into uncertainty.
Such mismatches are not uncommon and are not typically evidence of fraud, but voting rights advocates warn that this rule could be used to intentionally delay approval of results. President Trump, who has falsely claimed election fraud, praised the majority's three members by name during a recent campaign rally in Georgia.
This move comes after the board's approval of a separate rule requiring a "reasonable inquiry" into irregularities before certifying results. Voting rights groups express concern that these new rules could allow election deniers to refuse to certify any election their preferred candidate lost.
Before Trump's loss in 2020, certification was essentially a rubber stamp. However, at least 19 election board members across nine counties in Georgia have objected to certifying results since then. The board also advanced a rule for hand counting of ballots in every precinct after polls close, to be considered in September.
Analysis: These new rules in Georgia could potentially lead to delays in certifying election results, creating uncertainty and doubt in the electoral process. This could impact voter confidence and the legitimacy of election outcomes. It is important for voters to stay informed and engaged in the electoral process to ensure fair and accurate results.