
Georgia Republicans and the RNC are appealing a court decision that blocked new election rules intended to increase election transparency. The Georgia State Election Board introduced the rules in September, but Judge Thomas Cox struck them down, claiming the board exceeded its legal authority.
The rules included measures for hand-counting paper ballots and expanding poll watcher access, both aimed at increasing election security. RNC Chairman Michael Whatley called the judge’s ruling “judicial activism” and accused the court of siding with Democrats in an effort to undermine election integrity.
On Oct. 19, the GOP petitioned the Georgia Supreme Court to pause the lower court’s ruling while the appeal is heard. A decision is expected soon, as the November election approaches.
Republicans argue that these rules are essential for preventing fraud and ensuring a fair election, particularly in Georgia, where former President Donald Trump lost narrowly in 2020. The party has been focused on election reforms to restore public confidence in the voting system.
The legal battle is expected to have a lasting impact on how future elections are conducted in Georgia, as the state remains a critical battleground.