Democrats Challenge Georgia Election Rule Changes in Court

Lawyers for the Democratic Party are challenging changes to Georgia election rules made by a Republican-controlled board. They claim these alterations could undermine trust in the upcoming Nov. 5 U.S. election. The new rules empower county election board members to investigate discrepancies, potentially delaying certification of results. A trial is underway before Judge Robert McBurney.

Lawyers representing the Democratic Party have petitioned a Georgia judge to revoke recent changes to election rules implemented by a Republican-led board. These modifications, they argue, could erode public confidence in the Nov. 5 U.S. election.

In August, the Georgia Election Board authorized county election board members to scrutinize discrepancies in ballot counts and access election-related documents before certifying results. This decision was supported by three allies of Republican candidate Donald Trump, who lost to Democrat Joe Biden in 2020 amid unfounded claims of voter fraud.

The non-jury trial began on Tuesday before Judge Robert McBurney in Fulton County Superior Court. Democrats contend the changes could lead to chaos and delay the mandatory certification of results. The defense argues the rules do not authorize certification delays, insisting they were designed to enhance election security and transparency.

(With inputs from agencies.)