Georgia’s Election Board has taken a bold step to strengthen democracy by requiring a hand count of ballots on Election Day. In a 3-2 vote, the board approved the measure, which will add a manual layer of verification to the machine count already in place. This decision has been lauded as a win for election integrity, especially in a state with a critical role in national elections.
The new rule, set to be implemented in less than two months, has faced some criticism from state officials like Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and Attorney General Chris Carr. Raffensperger raised concerns about the timing, saying it could be difficult to retrain poll workers on short notice. However, Chairman John Fervier, a key supporter of the measure, emphasized that the benefits to democracy far outweigh the logistical hurdles. “This is about ensuring voter confidence,” Fervier said.
Supporters believe the hand count will reassure voters that every ballot is being handled and reviewed with care. In an era where trust in elections has been questioned, particularly in swing states like Georgia, this added measure provides a clear signal that election officials are prioritizing transparency.
The ruling is part of Georgia’s broader efforts to secure elections, following reforms implemented after 2020. The hand count, supporters argue, will further strengthen the state’s reputation for election security.
As Election Day approaches, the hand count decision sends a message that Georgia is committed to ensuring a fair and accurate vote, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
