Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger recently expressed his ongoing concerns about the State Election Board, referring to it as 'a mess.' Despite this, he remains confident that county election officials will meet the deadline for certifying November's election results.
During a statewide election training seminar in Forsyth, Georgia, Raffensperger emphasized the importance of adhering to the legal requirement for election certification by the Monday following the election. He stated, 'We fully expect them to do their job,' assuring the public of a safe, secure, and accurate election process.
Earlier this month, the State Election Board approved a new rule allowing counties to conduct a 'reasonable inquiry' to ensure the accuracy of tabulation and canvassing before certifying results. Certification serves as a crucial final step to verify election outcomes with the secretary of state's office.
Raffensperger's recent comments come after expressing reservations about the board's actions in a previous interview. Despite his criticisms, he reiterated his commitment to upholding the integrity of the electoral process.
Meanwhile, Democrats, supported by Kamala Harris' presidential campaign, have filed a lawsuit to challenge new election rules in Georgia. They argue that these rules could potentially create post-election 'chaos' in the state, a key battleground in presidential elections.
The lawsuit represents a significant escalation in the ongoing controversy surrounding the actions of three Republican members of the state elections board. Their decisions have drawn praise from former President Donald Trump, further intensifying the debate over election procedures in Georgia.