Georgia Judge Voids Controversial Election Rules

A Georgia judge, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox, has ruled that seven new election rules passed by the state election board are 'illegal, unconstitutional, and void.' This ruling comes after legal challenges to the rules, which included controversial measures like mandatory hand-counting of ballots after polls close and specific certification procedures. The judge determined that the election board lacked authority for these changes, thus ordering their immediate removal. Additionally, Judge Robert McBurney temporarily halted the hand-counting rule amid concerns about confusion in the electoral process, supporting claims that such rules could undermine confidence in election outcomes. The backdrop for these developments includes ongoing lawsuits and heightened scrutiny of voting practices, particularly from groups concerned about potential manipulation related to the upcoming 2024 election. The state election board, controlled by three Republican members, faces pressure as election day approaches, with critics arguing that the new rules could be used to contest results if former President Trump loses again.