Georgia Election Board Mandates Hand Count of Paper Ballots

The controversial rule, passed by a 3-2 vote, faces criticism for potential delays and legal challenges ahead of the November election.

The Georgia State Election Board voted to require hand counting of paper ballots, a measure seen as labor-intensive and potentially error-prone.
The decision was made by a Republican-majority board, despite opposition from the state attorney general and secretary of state.
Critics argue the rule could delay election results and undermine public confidence, particularly in large, Democratic-leaning counties.
The rule mandates that three poll workers in over 6,500 precincts hand count ballots, a process starting either on election night or the following day.
Legal experts and election officials warn that the rule may exceed statutory authority and could face significant legal challenges.