The Georgia Election Board has recently introduced a new rule aimed at bolstering the integrity of the state’s election process. In a close 3-2 vote, the Board approved a regulation that mandates a thorough comparison between the total number of ballots cast and the total number of unique voter ID numbers in each precinct. This measure is designed to ensure that every vote cast in the state is legitimate and to identify and address any discrepancies before election results are certified.
Under this rule, election workers across Georgia will now be required to conduct a meticulous review of election returns, including absentee ballots, advance voting, Election Day in-person voting, and provisional ballots. This review must take place by 3 PM on the Friday following the election. If the number of ballots exceeds the number of unique voter IDs in any precinct, the rule mandates that an investigation be launched immediately.
The counties are prohibited from certifying election results until any discrepancies are fully investigated and resolved. This means that if potential fraud is detected, the affected votes will not be counted until a thorough examination is completed. The Georgia Election Board members are tasked with scrutinizing all election-related documentation to ensure that any irregularities are detected and corrected.
The certification of election results is now more rigorous under this rule. The certification process cannot proceed until all discrepancies are addressed, with a strict deadline set at 5:00 PM on the Monday following the election. The results must then be immediately transmitted to the Secretary of State.
This new regulation reflects Georgia’s commitment to safeguarding the electoral process, ensuring that only legitimate votes are counted, and maintaining public trust in election outcomes. While the rule has sparked some debate, its proponents argue that it is a necessary step in preventing election fraud and upholding the integrity of Georgia’s elections.
