Allies of former President Donald Trump who control the Georgia State Election Board approved a controversial new rule on Friday. The rule requires counties to hand count the number of ballots cast on Election Day, despite bipartisan objections from election officials and poll workers.
The vote, which took place with a 3-2 split, saw the three Trump allies on the board supporting the controversial move. On the other hand, a Democratic member and an independent GOP-appointed member of the board strongly opposed the decision.
This new rule has sparked debate and criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the requirement for hand counting ballots could slow down the election process and potentially introduce errors. They also raise concerns about the logistical challenges and increased workload this rule would impose on election officials and poll workers.
Supporters of the rule, however, argue that hand counting ballots is necessary to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the election results. They believe that this measure will help address any doubts or suspicions about the validity of the election outcome.
The decision by the Georgia State Election Board to implement this rule comes amidst ongoing scrutiny and controversy surrounding the 2020 presidential election. The board's composition, with a majority of Trump allies, has raised questions about the potential impact of political affiliations on election policies and procedures.
As the debate over the new rule continues, it remains to be seen how counties in Georgia will navigate the requirements for hand counting ballots on Election Day. The outcome of this decision could have far-reaching implications for future elections in the state and beyond.
