The Georgia state election board has approved a new rule granting local officials more power to investigate votes after election day, raising concerns about potential delays in certifying election results.

The rule allows any county election board member to examine election-related documents before certification, which some fear could be used to obstruct the process.

The board, controlled by Republicans, passed the rule despite objections, with critics warning it could lead to chaos in the upcoming elections.

The rule also requires local boards to compare voter ID numbers with ballots cast, potentially delaying vote counts, The Guardian has reported.

The decision has drawn criticism from election officials and voting rights advocates, who argue it could undermine trust in the electoral process.

Written by B.C. Begley