A new rule in Georgia could allow local election boards to refuse to certify results

ATLANTA — A new rule in Georgia could allow some local election boards to refuse to certify results, raising concerns ahead of November’s election in the crucial swing state.

It’s the latest partisan flashpoint in a battleground state over certification — a step in the election process that’s usually ministerial and routine.

Local boards confirm the number of voters who cast ballots matches up with the total votes. Legal challenges to results are heard in the courts.

But when it came to certifying the May primary in Fulton County, which includes Atlanta, one board member refused.

“It’s time to fix the problems in our elections by ensuring compliance with the law, transparency in elections conduct and accuracy in results,” Republican Julie Adams said before abstaining from the vote.

Adams said she didn’t have access to enough underlying election records to verify the vote herself. Adams’ colleagues overruled her and the May certification went ahead.

But for some, it signaled a worrying trend. Adams is one of several local officials in Georgia who declined to certify results this year — and that number could grow.

The new state rule allows local boards to conduct "reasonable inquiry" before certifying results. The measure passed 3-2, backed by Republicans with the sole Democrat and nonpartisan chair opposed.

“If I’m going to ask a county election worker to sign their name on a legal document saying this is accurate, when in fact they may see there is some discrepancy, then we’re setting them up for failure,” says Janelle King, a Republican on the state board who voted for the rule.

But some election experts worry a local board member, driven by unsupported claims of election fraud, might refuse to certify if they argue