Georgia Election Board Approves New Certification Rule

The Facts

• The Republican-controlled Georgia State Election Board on Monday approved by a 3-2 vote a new rule authorizing any member of a county board of election "to examine all election related documentation created" during the election process prior to certifying the results.

• The new rule also requires each county's board of elections to meet before 3 p.m. on the Friday after the election to compare the total of unique voter ID numbers in each precinct to the total votes cast. Votes can't be counted before this is resolved, and if the results can't be reconciled the state board can "determine a method to compute the votes justly."

• Previously, the state board adopted a rule requiring county election officials to make a "reasonable inquiry" — a term left undefined by the rule — prior to certifying results.