In a significant legal decision, a Georgia judge has blocked an order that would have required ballots in the upcoming presidential election to be counted by hand. Judge Robert McBurney ruled against the last-minute change implemented by the Georgia election board's pro-Trump majority, stating it would lead to confusion and inefficiency due to inadequate training for poll workers. The ruling was warmly received by Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, who, alongside former President Trump, has been actively campaigning in Georgia—a key swing state in the election. Georgia witnesses an unprecedented early voting turnout with more than 328,000 voters participating on the first day, marking more than double the turnout of 2020. The hand-counting order faced criticism for allegedly allowing delays or non-certification of results, which Judge McBurney argued would erode trust in the electoral process. As legal challenges related to the election continue, Harris and Trump are intensifying efforts to sway voters in Georgia, pivotal for their electoral prospects.
Judge Blocks Georgia Ballot Hand Count Order
Judge Blocks Georgia Ballot Hand Count Order
Georgia judge blocks hand count order amid early voting surge, citing lack of preparation for poll workers.
A US judge in Georgia has halted an order mandating hand-counting of ballots for the upcoming presidential election, citing insufficient training for poll workers. The decision was praised by Democratic candidate Kamala Harris as early voting began, drawing record turnouts. Over 328,000 people cast their votes on the first day, surpassing previous records. The hand-count mandate, introduced by a pro-Trump board majority, was criticized for potential election result delays and diminished public confidence. As legal battles continue in Georgia, Harris and Trump vie for support in this pivotal swing state.
