National and state Republicans are appealing a judge’s ruling that invalidated seven election rules recently passed by Georgia’s State Election Board as “illegal, unconstitutional and void.” The rules included requirements for hand-counting ballots, certification of election results, and enhanced surveillance of ballot drop boxes. The ruling, made by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox, stated that the State Election Board did not have the authority to pass these rules.
In response to the ruling, RNC Chairman Michael Whatley accused the judge of judicial activism and announced the appeal to ensure that “commonsense rules are in place for the election.” The state Republican Party also filed an emergency notice of appeal with the Georgia Supreme Court. The ruling came as a victory for Democrats and voting rights groups, who argued that the rules could be used to cast doubt on election results.
The lawsuit challenging the rules was filed by Eternal Vigilance Action, an organization led by former state Rep. Scot Turner, a Republican. Turner expressed disappointment in the Republican Party’s stance, stating that unelected bureaucrats should not have the power to make new laws. Critics of the overturned rules argued that they could slow the reporting of results and burden poll workers, while supporters claimed they were necessary to ensure the accuracy of vote totals.
The ruling has sparked controversy in Georgia as the state gears up for upcoming elections. County election officials have voiced concerns over the flood of new rules and the potential impact on the electoral process. The appeal process is ongoing, with both sides preparing to fight for their interests in the lead-up to the elections.
Source
Photo credit apnews.com