Georgia judge blocks election rule requiring hand counting of ballots
SUMMARY
A Georgia judge has blocked a new rule requiring hand counting of ballots after polls close on November 5, citing concerns about its last-minute implementation. Judge Robert McBurney deemed the rule “too much, too late,” warning that it could undermine public confidence in the electoral process due to insufficient training for poll workers. The hand counting rule, introduced by the Georgia State Election Board with a 3-2 vote, was backed by supporters of former President Donald Trump and aimed to verify that machine counts matched hand counts.Criticism came from both parties, including Georgia’s Republican attorney general and secretary of state, who argued the timing could confuse voters and discourage turnout. McBurney highlighted the potential for “irreparable harm” and emphasized the need for stable election procedures. Democratic leaders celebrated the ruling as a safeguard for election integrity, while McBurney continues to oversee related legal challenges.
