What Are the Laws About Poll Observers and Vote Challenges in Georgia?

 

With the upcoming election, there has been much discussion about voter fraud and how much security there is in our vote. Here is the law for your state regarding challenging votes, and having observers at the polls.


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There has been much discussion about whether votes in this next election will be counted securely.

Every state has rules about what poll observers can do at the polls and how votes can be challenged. Here are the rules for your state:

Georgia In a primary or run-off primary, each candidate entitled to have his or her name placed on the primary or run-off primary ballot may submit the name of one poll watcher for each precinct in which he or she wishes to have an observer to the chairperson or secretary of the appropriate party executive committee at least 21 days prior to such primary or 14 days prior to such run-off primary. The appropriate party executive committee shall designate at least seven days prior to such primary or run-off primary no more than two poll watchers for each precinct, such poll watchers to be selected by the committee from the list submitted by party candidates. In an election or run-off election, each political party and political body shall each be entitled to designate, at least seven days prior to such election or run-off election, no more than two official poll watchers in each precinct to be selected by the appropriate party or body executive committee. Each independent candidate shall be entitled to designate one poll watcher in each precinct. In addition, candidates running in a nonpartisan election shall be entitled to designate one poll watcher in each precinct. In an election or run-off election, each political party and political body, which body is registered pursuant to Code Section 21-2- 110 and has nominated a candidate for state-wide office, shall additionally be entitled to designate, at least 14 days prior to such election or run-off election, no more than 25 official state-wide poll watchers to be selected by the appropriate party or body executive committee. Each independent candidate shall also be entitled to designate no more than 25 official state-wide poll watchers. In addition, candidates running in a state-wide nonpartisan election shall be entitled to designate no more than 25 official state-wide poll watchers. (Ga. Code Ann. § 21-2-408).

Any elector of the county or municipality may challenge the right of any other elector of the county or municipality, whose name appears on the list of electors, to vote in an election. (Ga. Code Ann. § 21-2-230). 

 





Jurisdictional relevance: ST

There are versions of this article for each State.