Following a recent ruling by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox that deemed seven election rules passed by Georgia's State Election Board as 'illegal, unconstitutional, and void,' national and state Republicans have decided to appeal the decision. The rules in question, including requirements for hand-counting ballots post-poll closure and certification of election results, were invalidated by Judge Cox, who stated that the State Election Board lacked the authority to enact them.
The appeal, led by the Republican National Committee and the Georgia Republican Party, aims to challenge the ruling and reinstate the rules that were struck down. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley criticized the judge's decision, labeling it as 'judicial activism' and accusing Democrats of undermining election transparency and integrity.
The lawsuit that led to the ruling was filed by Eternal Vigilance Action, an organization founded by former state Rep. Scot Turner, a Republican. The suit argued that the State Election Board had exceeded its authority in implementing the contested rules.
The ruling has sparked a debate between Democrats, voting rights groups, and Republican supporters, with concerns raised over the potential impact on the upcoming elections. The recent appointments to the State Election Board, which now consists of a majority of Trump-endorsed Republicans, have led to the passing of new rules despite objections from the board's lone Democrat and the nonpartisan chair.
County election officials across Georgia have expressed apprehension over the sudden influx of new rules so close to Election Day. The invalidated rules also included provisions such as requiring photo ID for in-person absentee ballot delivery, video surveillance of ballot drop boxes, expanded areas for partisan poll watchers, and daily public updates on early voting turnout.
