ATLANTA — Georgia’s State Election Board is set to vote on a series of rule changes this Friday that could impact local officials tasked with training poll workers and handling absentee ballot applications in preparation for the upcoming election.
This previously low-profile state panel now finds itself under intense scrutiny following its approval of controversial rules in August that could hinder the certification of election results. These changes have sparked mixed reactions, drawing support from prominent figures while facing opposition from key election officials in Georgia.
Travis Doss, elections director in Richmond County, expressed frustration over the swift decision-making of the board, stating, “You can have 10 election directors stand up and voice their concerns, and then the board approves a rule regardless.”
Among the proposed rule changes is a requirement for polling place managers and two witnesses to hand-count paper ballots from each ballot box to ensure accurate verification against the counts recorded by voting machines. Other recommendations include conducting hand counts of absentee ballots, publicly posting lists of registered voters for the upcoming election, and enhancing access for poll watchers.
The Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials, representing 500 members statewide, has urged the state board to delay implementing these new rules until after the election. In a letter of concern, the group highlighted the potential for these dramatic changes to disrupt ongoing training and preparation efforts.
Concerns Over Retraining Poll Workers
This is particularly pressing in Gwinnett County, where training for 2,000 poll workers is scheduled to begin this week. Elections Director Zach Manifold emphasized the complications posed by fluctuating rules, stating, “It’s challenging, especially if we have to retrain people.”
Reflecting on the smooth conduct of three prior elections this year, Manifold underscored the need for stability, stating, “Let’s not change anything in the next three months.”
Manifold noted that election officials are grappling with new election laws enacted post-2020, which have made the preparation for upcoming elections more complex. He mentioned a significant 2021 overhaul that tightened absentee ballot return deadlines and a newer law affecting mass voter challenges.
Moreover, the new rules creating a pathway for local election board members to reject the certification of results could potentially lead to disputes and challenges, further complicating the process.
Certification Rules and Immediate Fallout
The fresh regulations appear to grant local election officials the ability to decline certification if they unearth discrepancies or are unable to review all requested election records. Meanwhile, Georgia’s secretary of state and numerous election law experts assert that state law does not provide local officials with such authority.
While courts have previously intervened to uphold the certification process, officials fear that ongoing disputes could lead to delays and exacerbate misinformation regarding the integrity of election results.
In response to the new rules, the Democratic Party of Georgia and other plaintiffs have filed lawsuits to challenge their validity, with a trial scheduled for October 1.
Election Officials Navigate Challenges Amidst New Rules
The ongoing unrest has prompted the association of election officials to hire a lobbyist to help navigate the shifting landscape of election laws and rules. However, Doss noted a troubling trend: policymakers appear to heed the voices of activists questioning election integrity more than those with years of electoral experience.
In Cobb County, election officials have enhanced collaboration with law enforcement amid rising tensions at polling places. Recent reports indicate that poll workers face increasingly hostile encounters with voters, adding layers of complexity to their roles.
One alarming incident involved a voter carrying a firearm within a polling location, highlighting safety concerns that have led to many seasoned poll workers considering retirement.
Despite the challenges, Manifold remains optimistic about the preparedness of his team, emphasizing, “The people working your polling location are your neighbors, your teachers, your firefighters. It’s run by your community.”
However, a growing distrust in election procedures among some voters poses additional challenges as the state gears up for the upcoming elections.
