A Georgia judge has struck down several newly enacted election rules, including requirements for a “reasonable inquiry” before certifying elections, hand counting of ballots on election night, and increased access for partisan poll watchers.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox Jr. ruled on Wednesday that these rules, passed by the State Election Board’s Republican majority, are “illegal, unconstitutional, and void.” He determined that the board overstepped its authority by implementing election procedures that should be determined by elected representatives.
“The Georgia Constitution provides that only the General Assembly may provide for a law for a procedure whereby returns of all elections by the people are made to the Secretary of State,” Cox stated in his 11-page order. “The Election Code accomplishes this, and the State Election Board has no authority to legislate otherwise.”
