Calls for GA State Election Board to pause future rule changes ahead of 2024 presidential election

GEORGIA (WJBF) — The Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials (GAVREO) is asking the State Election Board “to halt implementation of additional SEB election rules” that would go into effect as Election Day approaches.

On Monday, Aug. 19, the Georgia State Election board voted 3-2 to approve a new rule which would require county election officials to form lists of voters who cast ballots in an election organized by voting method and examine them for any potential duplicates. Additionally, county election officials are required to meet by 3 p.m. on the Friday after an election to review precinct returns. The 3 p.m. meeting time is two hours before the 5 p.m. Friday deadline for overseas and military ballots and for issues with provisional and/or absentee ballots to be corrected.

The GAVREO finds that the new rule could create confusion among voters, poll workers and election officials, particularly as the Election Day is about 10 weeks away.

“We urge the State Election Board to seriously consider the impact of further rule changes and to
prioritize the integrity and smooth operation of the upcoming election,” said Travis Doss, Jr., president of the GAVERO AND executive director of the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Elections. “Our poll workers, election administrators and voters deserve clarity and consistency in the rules that will guide this critical process.”

Doss said that poll workers and election officials are in the midst of “extensive training preparation” in a highly-anticipated election year.

“Any last-minute changes to the rules risk undermining the public’s trust in the
electoral process and place undue pressure on the individuals responsible for managing the polls and administering the election,” said Doss. “This could ultimately lead to errors or delays in voting, which is the last thing anyone wants.”

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

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