Georgia Republicans Just Threw a Wrench in How the State Certifies Elections

Just days after Trump praised the state’s election board, its members passed a measure that would let local officials hold up the process if they have doubts.

Election Georgia
County elections boards now have ammunition to halt the election certification process. Brynn Anderson/AP

When Donald Trump showed up for a rally in Atlanta last Saturday, he cheered on those who are supposed to be the state’s neutral election administrators.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but the Georgia State Election Board is in a very positive way,” Trump told the crowd. “They’re on fire. They’re doing a great job. Three members: Janice Johnston, Rick Jeffries and Janelle King. Three people, all pit bulls fighting for honesty, transparency and victory.”

Just three days later, those three members of the state election board jammed through a measure that will grant new powers to county officials: the ability to hold up certification if they have doubts.