Experts: Georgia’s New Elections Rule in Violation of State Law, According to ProPublica

ProPublica, a nonprofit newsroom known for investigating abuses of power, recently reported on a controversial rule passed by the Georgia State Election Board. The rule in question grants county election boards expanded authority to delay or reject election results, a move that has raised concerns about potential chaos in the upcoming November vote count.

The initial proposal for this rule was voted down by the board members, with concerns raised about its legality. Even the lone board member supporting the rule, Janice Johnston, voted against it, citing the need for further improvements to ensure compliance with existing laws. However, three months later, a revised version of the rule was passed by a narrow margin of 3-2.

The passing of this rule has been met with criticism from election law experts, who argue that the changes made to the rule did not address its legal shortcomings. The rule significantly expands the authority of county officials overseeing the certification of elections, a move that has been supported by prominent election deniers and the Georgia Legislature.

The timing of this rule’s approval is particularly concerning, as it comes at a time when former President Donald Trump and his allies are already questioning the fairness of the election process and making preparations to contest the results. Georgia, a state where Biden narrowly beat Trump in 2020, has been a focal point for election-related controversies.

The influence of Trump allies in Georgia’s election process is evident, with key positions being filled by individuals who have questioned the results of the 2020 election. The passing of this rule, which was secretly backed by election deniers, has raised further doubts about the integrity of the state’s election procedures.

Legal experts have pointed out that the rule’s language grants county election boards discretionary powers that could potentially undermine the certification process. By omitting key language from existing laws, the rule leaves room for interpretation that could lead to delays or adjustments in vote counts, raising concerns about compliance with federal certification deadlines.

Despite minor adjustments made to the rule, experts warn that these changes do not address its fundamental flaws. The lack of clarity in the rule’s language and the potential for misinterpretation by conservative county boards could have significant implications for the integrity of Georgia’s elections.

The passing of this rule highlights the ongoing challenges faced by election officials in ensuring fair and transparent election processes. As the November elections approach, the controversy surrounding this rule serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the principles of democracy and protecting the integrity of the electoral system.