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Georgia Election Board Implements New Rule for Certification Process
ATLANTA — The State Election Board of Georgia has recently approved a new measure that mandates county election officials to conduct a “reasonable inquiry” prior to certifying election results to the state. This development anticipates heightened scrutiny and contention regarding election certifications in Georgia, a pivotal battleground state as the upcoming November elections draw near.
Proponents of the rule argue that it is essential for members of county election boards to ensure that results are accurate before affirming their legitimacy. Janice Johnston, a Republican appointee to the board, emphasized the need for oversight, stating, “It’s the duty of the board to provide some oversight, in a fair way, in a reasonable way.”
Conversely, critics view the new rule as a potential catalyst for post-election disruptions. They contend that it contradicts existing state law, which mandates that county officials “shall certify” election results. House Minority Whip Sam Park, a Democrat from Lawrenceville, asserted that this change allows local election officials the power to delay or even refuse to certify results, rendering the process discretionary and open to partisan biases.
The rule is set to take effect in 20 days, although it remains vulnerable to legal challenges. This decision marks another chapter in the evolving dynamics of election result certification, which has become a contentious issue since the 2020 elections. With the presidential campaign entering its final stretch, further disputes are likely to emerge in tightly contested swing states.
Former President Donald Trump and his supporters have previously attempted to obstruct certification processes when faced with unfavorable outcomes. An example occurred during the 2020 election in Michigan, where two Republican officials hesitated to endorse the ballot totals before one reversed their position, facilitating a critical vote. Trump celebrated these attempts as part of a broader strategy to overturn the election results, culminating in the chaotic events of January 6, 2021.
In the 2022 midterms, certain conservative counties delayed results based on unfounded claims of voter fraud, similar to those Trump promoted. In Georgia, state authorities intervened to compel Coffee County’s certification due to prior reluctance. This past May, Republican Fulton County election board member Julie Adams refrained from certifying primary election results, supported by legal action from a group aligned with Trump, which claimed board members had the latitude to reject certifications.
Michael Heekin, another Republican member of the Fulton County board, defended the new regulations by asserting that “reasonable” has a defined legal interpretation and reiterated the importance of their responsibilities in maintaining election integrity.
Opponents, including Democrats and voting rights advocates, worry that the board’s actions align with partisan politics, setting the stage for challenges to future election outcomes, especially if a Democrat like Kamala Harris were to win in Georgia. Nikhel Sus, an attorney from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, criticized the board for adopting rules that diverge from established legal statutes and long-standing judicial precedents.
The board’s recent decisions come in the wake of a shift in leadership, with several Trump-aligned members now controlling the five-member body. While the board’s primary role is to establish guidelines for smooth election operations and address violations, Trump has publicly praised the members for their commitment to “honesty, transparency and victory” while disparaging opposing board members.
Critics alert that the close involvement of the board with Trump’s political faction may not only be unethical but could also breach the board’s own code of conduct, which mandates that its members act honestly and avoid conflicts of interest.
Despite assertions from board member Janelle King, who has allied with the Trump faction, aiming to distance herself from party influence, concerns linger regarding the objectivity of the board’s decision-making processes. In light of the implications for upcoming elections, the unfolding situation will warrant close observation as the political landscape in Georgia evolves.
Source
abcnews.go.com