Georgia Judges Review New Election Rules Ahead of Vote

In Georgia, a judge is set to rule on controversial new election rules, including a requirement for hand-counting ballots, just weeks before the upcoming election. This change, instituted by the Republican-led State Election Board, has raised concerns among election officials about potential chaos at the polls due to inadequate training and burdensome processes. Meanwhile, early voting commenced on October 15, amid a polarized political landscape marked by distrust in previous elections and recent sweeping reforms aimed at restoring confidence. The October 26 parliamentary elections will implement a fully proportional representation system, a significant change intended to modernize the electoral process. The political climate remains tense, with allegations of manipulation and protests following controversial legislation. As early voting unfolds, the implications of these new rules and the upcoming elections could significantly impact Georgia's democratic evolution and its relationships abroad.