Georgia Secretary of State: As the chief election official, the Secretary of State oversees the implementation of election laws, manages the voter registration database, and certifies election results. However, under Georgia’s Senate Bill 202 (SB202), the Secretary is no longer a voting member of the State Election Board.

Why is this important? Because now a largely privatized and partisan SEB gets to determine how, where, and when we get to vote, without the direct oversight of the office in charge of our elections.

Relevance: The Georgia State Election Board recently approved a rule requiring poll workers to hand count paper ballots after voting is completed, despite opposition from the Secretary of State’s office, the state attorney general, and election officials. This decision highlights the Board’s significant authority to change election procedures, even when such changes conflict with existing laws or may impact election logistics. Critics argue this new rule could delay reporting results and increase the burden on poll workers, while proponents believe it will ensure greater accuracy. This move underscores the power and influence the State Election Board has over how elections are conducted in Georgia.

State Election Board (SEB): The SEB formulates policies and procedures for the election process, oversees county election offices, and enforces election laws. It can intervene in county election boards to ensure proper election administration and investigate election irregularities.

County Elections Offices: These offices manage the logistics of elections, including staffing polling places, processing absentee ballots, and handling voter registration.

County Commissioners: County Commissioners are responsible for budgeting and overseeing county resources, including the administration of elections and the maintenance of public facilities used as polling places.