The Georgia Supreme Court rejected an expedited appeal last Tuesday that sought to reinstate election law changes approved by the State Election Board. This decision means the contested rules will not be in place for the upcoming November 5th elections. The ruling upholds a previous decision by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Thomas Cox, invalidating several amendments to Georgia’s election procedures.
The invalidated rules were part of a lawsuit filed by Eternal Vigilance Action, a Georgia advocacy group led by former Georgia State Representative Scot Turner.
“Today’s ruling should put this matter to rest,” Turner said, emphasizing his commitment to Georgia’s Constitution despite the political implications. The proposed changes would have required counties to hand-count ballots cast on Election Day and allowed local officials to delay certifying results if voter fraud was suspected.
Three of the State Election Board’s members argued these measures would enhance public confidence after questions arose about the 2020 election results. However, opponents, including members of both political parties, warned that the changes could create confusion and delays in election results, potentially allowing premature claims of victory.
Lauren Groh-Wargo, CEO of Fair Fight, a public advocacy group founded by former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams, hailed the ruling as “a huge win for Georgia voters and the rule of law.” Groh-Wargo emphasized that protecting independent elections remains a critical focus.
In a separate case, Fulton County Judge Robert Mcurney ruled that election officials may not object to county certification under any circumstances. Appeals Courts have refused to expedite hearings on that case as well.
The November 5th election will proceed under existing laws, as the court’s decision prevents implementation of the disputed changes. With the ruling, Georgia voters and candidates can expect continuity in election procedures, avoiding disruptions that could have stemmed from the proposed amendments.
