The Georgia State Election Board has approved a controversial new rule requiring hand counts of ballots cast on Election Day, a decision that has sparked significant criticism from election officials and legal experts. The 3-2 vote, driven by a Republican majority, is seen as a move that could lead to confusion and potential legal challenges, especially as it comes just 46 days before the election. Opponents, including the state's attorney general, warn that the rule exceeds the board's authority and could undermine confidence in election results, echoing concerns raised after the 2020 election. Critics argue that hand counting is slower and more susceptible to human error compared to machine tabulation, making the election process less efficient and more prone to disputes. Additionally, there are fears that these rules could be weaponized to contest election outcomes if Trump loses Georgia in the 2024 race. The board's decision adds to a series of changes in Georgia's election laws since 2020, raising alarms among election advocates about the integrity and security of the electoral process.