Georgia Election Board Approves Hand-Count of Ballots on Election Night
The Georgia State Election Board voted 3-2 on Friday to require counties to hand-count all ballots, in addition to machine tallies, in the 2024 election.
The decision, driven by the board’s Republican majority, means that ballots in Georgia will be hand-counted by election workers the night of Nov. 5 in addition to the normal machine tallies that take place.
The move was celebrated by allies of former President Donald Trump, who believe that the changes will help alleviate concerns of voter fraud the former president raised four years ago in relation to President Joe Biden’s narrow victory in the Peach State.
GREAT NEWS!
GA State Election Board passes 3-2 resolution 181-1-12-.12
HAND COUNT at precinct level to ensure the totals match with the machines
This is a HUGE win and was opposed by the Fake News, the Left, and Raffensperger pic.twitter.com/12FxvV9Tf4
— Liz Harrington (@realLizUSA) September 20, 2024
A Response to Concerns About Election Security
Georgia’s decision to approve hand-counting is largely seen as a response to mounting calls for greater election transparency, particularly from conservative voters who have questioned the integrity of voting machines. According to a statement by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger,
“The hand count will serve as a check against any potential issues with electronic voting systems, ensuring the highest level of confidence in our elections” . His remarks underscore the growing sentiment among many voters who believe hand-counting provides a more accurate reflection of the electorate’s will.
The hand-counting process will involve counting ballots by precinct, with results then being compared to machine tabulations. Should there be discrepancies, further investigations may be conducted to verify accuracy. This hybrid method aims to strengthen public trust in the election system and reduce the likelihood of disputes over results, which have been pervasive since the 2020 election.
Support from Election Integrity Advocates
The rule has been welcomed by many who have championed election integrity.
Conservative groups, in particular, view this as a step in the right direction to secure the voting process. Several GOP leaders in Georgia have praised the decision, calling it a necessary precaution. One Georgia election official, speaking anonymously, noted that “this is what we’ve been pushing for—a safeguard to ensure that every vote counts, and it’s done in a transparent manner.”
The 2020 election cycle brought unprecedented attention to Georgia’s election infrastructure, where claims of voting irregularities dominated the headlines. Hand-counting ballots on election night is seen by many conservatives as a corrective measure to alleviate widespread concerns and restore confidence in the electoral process. This new method of counting has been met with applause from those who feel the state’s previous reliance on machines left too much room for error or manipulation.
The Bigger Picture
Georgia’s move toward hand-counting ballots on election night fits into a broader national conversation about election security and transparency. Conservative voices across the country have increasingly called for similar measures to be implemented in other states, arguing that they bolster confidence in elections. In an era where allegations of fraud have become a staple of post-election discourse, implementing practices like hand-counting seeks to bring clarity and trust back to the system.
Georgia’s hand-counting rule reflects growing national interest in ensuring election results are beyond reproach. As the 2024 elections approach, states like Georgia are under intense pressure to provide an election system that not only works but is seen to work fairly.
The decision by the Georgia State Election Board sets a precedent that could inspire other states to follow suit. For conservatives, who have long demanded a return to traditional, verifiable voting methods, this measure represents a hard-won victory. While challenges lie ahead in implementing the hand-counting system efficiently, its impact on restoring voter confidence cannot be understated.
