State of Georgia

Georgia Muscogee County State Election Board Hand Count Rule Challenge

Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration v. State Election Board

Lawsuit filed by the Muscogee County Board of Elections and Registration against the Georgia State Election Board (SEB) challenging the SEB’s new rule requiring poll workers to verify the final results from voting machines by hand counting ballots. The plaintiff argues that the Hand Count Rule is invalid because it conflicts with numerous state election laws. It also argues that during the rulemaking process, the SEB failed to fully consider public comments or provide responses to specific objections to the Hand Count Rule, violating the rulemaking procedures required under the state’s Administrative Procedures Act (APA). Lastly, it argues that the Hand Count Rule is invalid because it is unreasonable and will impose significant administrative burdens on county boards of elections, in violation of the APA. The plaintiff asks the court to declare the Hand Count Rule invalid and block the SEB from enforcing it. 

STATUS: The plaintiff filed its petition on Oct. 9, 2024. The SEB has not responded yet.

Case Documents

Last updated: