Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.

A Georgia judge has blocked a rule requiring state election workers from hand-counting ballots on election night.

What’s the deal: Judge Robert McBurney ruled to block the implementation of a new Georgia election rule that would have required hand-counting of ballots on election night over concerns that it could create chaos and uncertainty in the electoral process. The rule, passed by the Republican-led State Election Board, was set to take effect just two weeks before the election.

Two different views:
Supporters of the hand-counting rule, including lawyers representing the Georgia State Election Board, argued that the rule would enhance the accuracy and transparency of the election process by ensuring that physical ballots were independently counted by multiple poll workers.

Opponents of the hand-counting rule, including election officials and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, argue that the rule is prone to error and could significantly delay the reporting of election results. In addition, Raffensperger raised concerns about training poll workers on such short notice—particularly as the rule was set to take effect just two weeks before the election.

Harris campaign comments: In a statement, the Harris campaign said, “From the beginning, this rule was an effort to delay election results to sow doubt in the outcome, and our democracy is stronger thanks to this decision to block it. We will continue fighting to ensure that voters can cast their ballot knowing it will count.”

The Trump campaign did not comment on the news.