Americans begin presidential election in Georgia

Three weeks before the presidential election in the United States, early voting began this Tuesday (15) in the state of Georgia, considered one of the most decisive.

Voters came early to participate in the election that will determine the next president. Some US states, like Georgia, allow voting by mail and in person before the official day.

🇺🇸 Before the sun rose, voters were lining up to cast their ballots on the first day of early voting in Georgia!

pic.twitter.com/UWHqXivFvV

— Mathias Silva (@math3usof) October 15, 2024

Controversy over election rules

Republicans and Democrats have clashed over vote-counting rules in Georgia. At the center of the controversy is the state’s election board, which is largely made up of allies Donald Trump. The council, made up of local MPs and governor’s appointments, is proposing changes that will directly affect this year’s elections.

In August, the board allowed any municipal election commission to open investigations into the voting process. Also, those in charge will have the power to refuse to certify results based on mere suspicion, without concrete evidence.

During a rally in Atlanta in August, Trump praised military junta members who supported the changes. “Pitbulls fighting for honesty, transparency and success”.

Lori RinghandA constitutional law professor at the University of Georgia warns Journal National that changing the rules too close to an election could create confusion and undermine voter confidence. According to her, “It risks confusing voters and undermining confidence in the results.”.

Georgia: Republicans and Democrats battle for control of numbers

This Tuesday (15), the court struck down the proposed changes. The judge in charge ruled that election officials must follow the deadlines established by law and refusal to certify the results is not permissible without due process of law. Any question should be dealt with openly and transparently in court, he said.

Georgia is one of seven states that could decide the final outcome of the election in a tight race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

In 2020, Donald Trump lost in Georgia Joe Biden. After the defeat, he alleged fraud without evidence and put pressure on state election officials. Amid these pressures, Trump’s call to the Georgia secretary of state stands out. Brad RaffensbergerHe asked that enough votes be found to reverse the decision.

Trump declared: “I want to find 11,780 votes – one more than we had because we won the state election.” However, Raffensberger did not comply, and after two recounts, Biden’s victory was confirmed.