A Georgia judge recently ruled against several new rules put forth by the State Elections Board (SEB), calling them “illegal, unconstitutional, and void.” The decision by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas A. Cox came after two lawsuits were brought forth challenging the rules, one by the Georgia Democratic Party and the other by civil rights groups that included current and former GOP state officials.
One of the contested measures required ballots to be hand-counted by three county election officials after being tabulated by machines to ensure accuracy. This rule had sparked intense debate between Trump and Harris supporters in the battleground state. Another rule invalidated by Judge Cox directed county officials to conduct a thorough inquiry before certifying election results and gave them the authority to review all election-related documentation.
Additionally, the judge blocked new signature and photo ID requirements for individuals dropping off absentee ballots for others. These rules were passed by a Republican majority on the elections board last month, with Democrats arguing that they aimed to create doubt and chaos in the election process, while proponents claimed they were essential to maintain voter confidence.
In a separate lawsuit, led by Eternal Vigilance Action, a group founded by a former GOP state legislator, the plaintiffs argued that the SEB had overstepped its authority in implementing the new rules. The defendants countered, stating that the state’s General Assembly had granted the board the power to establish such regulations.
Both former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have been heavily investing resources in Georgia, a state that President Biden won by a slim margin in 2020. Harris’ campaign praised the ruling that blocked the hand-counting ballots rule, emphasizing the importance of upholding democracy.
The ongoing legal battles surrounding election rules in Georgia highlight the intense political divide in the state and the broader implications for electoral processes across the country. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact future elections and voter participation in Georgia and beyond.