Georgia Implements Controversial Hand-Count Rule for Paper Ballots

In a recent development, Georgia's State Election Board has implemented a new rule requiring manual counting of paper ballots at polling stations. This decision, made approximately one month ago, has sparked controversy and raised concerns among election officials and legal experts.

The board voted 3-2 in favor of the new measure, which mandates that three separate poll workers count the number of paper ballots until their counts match. This process applies to the quantity of ballots, not the actual votes cast. Notably, if a scanner contains more than 750 ballots at the end of voting, the poll manager has the discretion to postpone the count until the following day.

This decision comes despite opposition from key state entities, including the office of state Attorney General Chris Carr and the Secretary of State's office. In a memo issued just prior to the vote, the Attorney General's office questioned the rule's legality, stating that it lacks statutory basis and may constitute impermissible legislation by an agency.

County election officials have expressed concerns about potential delays in reporting election night results and the additional burden placed on poll workers. These workers, who already face long hours on election days, would now be tasked with this manual counting process.

Interestingly, Georgia has a rich history of electoral innovation. It was the first state to lower the voting age to 18 in 1943, long before this became a national standard. The state, which ratified the U.S. Constitution in 1788, has been at the forefront of many historical developments.

The controversy surrounding this new rule highlights the ongoing debates about election integrity and efficiency. As one of the original 13 colonies, Georgia has played a significant role in shaping American democracy. The state's capital, Atlanta, which hosted the 1996 Summer Olympics, continues to be a focal point for political discussions.

While the state is known for its natural beauty, including the largest blackwater swamp in North America (Okefenokee Swamp), and cultural symbols like the Cherokee rose (state flower) and live oak (state tree), it now faces challenges in balancing tradition with modern electoral needs.

As Georgia navigates this new electoral landscape, the impact of this decision on future elections remains to be seen. The state, home to historical landmarks like Stone Mountain and the gold-domed State Capitol in Atlanta, continues to be a significant player in national politics and election procedures.

"The rule is not tethered to any statute and is likely the precise kind of impermissible legislation that agencies cannot do."

This situation underscores the complex interplay between state agencies, election officials, and the evolving nature of electoral processes in the United States.