Legal action initiated by Republican-led group to halt implementation of Georgia regulation mandating manual ballot recount

A conservative group in Georgia, led by former state Rep. Scot Turner, is pushing back against a new rule requiring ballot counts to be conducted by hand at polling places. Eternal Vigilance Action has taken legal action against the State Election Board, arguing that the board has overstepped its authority by implementing this rule, among others.

In addition to the hand-counting rule, Turner’s group is challenging regulations related to the certification of votes, including requirements for “reasonable inquiry” and allowing officials to review election documentation. The lawsuit, scheduled for a hearing in October, aims to have these rules overturned or at least suspended until after the upcoming presidential election in November.

The new ballot counting procedure mandates that three poll workers tally the number of ballots at each polling location, with discrepancies requiring explanation and resolution. This rule has sparked concerns among Democrats, voting rights advocates, and others who fear it could disrupt the election process and cast doubt on the results, particularly in a battleground state like Georgia.

Turner contends that the State Election Board, composed of appointed officials, lacks accountability to voters and is overstepping its bounds by creating regulations reserved for lawmakers. He emphasizes that his lawsuit is grounded in upholding constitutional principles and limiting the board’s legislative authority.

Supporters of the hand-counting rule argue that it is necessary to ensure the accuracy of vote totals recorded by scanning machines and other equipment. By cross-referencing paper ballots with electronic data, the procedure aims to maintain integrity in the election process. However, critics, including Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State and county election officials, have raised concerns about potential delays in reporting results and ballot security issues.

The ongoing legal challenges highlight the contentious debate surrounding election procedures in Georgia and the broader implications for voter confidence and election integrity. With opposing viewpoints on how best to conduct and certify elections, the State Election Board faces scrutiny and criticism from various quarters as it navigates complex issues ahead of the upcoming election.