Georgia State Election Board votes to require hand counting of ballots, potentially delaying election results and raising concerns about fatigue and funding.
Election workers and board chair express concerns about proposal, citing fatigue, funding, and lack of statutory authority.
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger opposes hand counting, citing delays and risks to chain of custody procedures.
Democrats fear Trump-aligned Republicans are trying to undermine the vote by manipulating election rules, including hand counting proposal.
Controversy has national implications, potentially disrupting certification and hindering states' ability to meet deadlines in closely contested presidential race.
Legal experts say local election boards unlikely to refuse to certify vote counts, citing concerns about state law and court precedent.
Democrats and conservative group file lawsuits against board, arguing it exceeded authority and encroached on Legislature's power.
Opponents seek removal of Trump-aligned board members, citing ethics violations, but Governor Kemp has not acted.