Bill > HB604

This bill amends Georgia election law to authorize local election superintendents to conduct a voluntary manual (hand) recount of ballots after the standard computation, canvassing, and tabulation of election returns. The manual recount would be conducted at the same location as the original vote counting, must be open to the public, and can be performed by organizing assistants into sections to work simultaneously. The results of this hand accounting would be considered unofficial, but if any discrepancies are found between the manual and original vote counts, those discrepancies must be addressed according to existing election procedures. Importantly, the bill stipulates that the manual recount cannot delay or interfere with other election-related responsibilities; if the recount would prevent the superintendent from meeting other legal requirements, the recount must be immediately terminated. This provision gives local election officials an additional tool to verify election results while ensuring that the standard election processes are not disrupted.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70730