Georgia has given local officials expanded powers over certifying election results, a move that could potentially delay or obstruct future certification processes. In a 3-2 vote, the State Election Board approved a new rule defining certification as confirming the accuracy of the tabulation and canvassing of election results. This rule gives county election boards the authority to request information and potentially block certification if they see fit, potentially causing delays in reporting to state and federal authorities.
The decision came after previous attempts to block certification post-2020 elections by President Trump and his allies. The rule change has been met with criticism, with concerns raised about vague definitions and the potential for abuse by local officials. Voting rights advocates argue that the law does not support such a change and that the language of “reasonable inquiry” gives too much discretion to officials.
Some states have seen consequences for refusing to certify election results, including felony charges and potential disenfranchisement of voters. In Georgia, the law requires counties to certify results by November 12, with the state required to certify by November 22. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office has warned of serious consequences for boards that refuse certification without valid reasons.
The debate over the new rule lasted nine hours, with the three members of the State Election Board who approved the change receiving support from President Trump. The lone Democrat on the board and the board chair voted against the rule, citing concerns about lack of “guardrails” for the expanded powers granted to local officials.
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