Election Chaos in Georgia: How Hand-Counting Could Impact the 2024 Vote

An Inside Look at the Push for Hand-Counted Ballots and What It Means for Georgia Voters

by Michael Smith

---

A New Strategy to Undermine Confidence

Recently, Georgia's election board approved a plan to introduce hand-counting of ballots in the upcoming 2024 elections. At first glance, this may appear to be a push for transparency. However, as someone who's watched Georgia's electoral process closely, I'm deeply concerned. State election officials are warning that this change could lead to delays, heightened errors, and confusion among voters. The true danger lies not only in logistics but in a calculated effort to undermine trust in our elections—the very bedrock of our democracy.

The Bigger Picture: Every Vote Carries Weight

I remember the weight of my vote in the last election. It wasn't just another election year—Georgia was front and center in the national spotlight. Former President Donald Trump famously urged Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to "find 11,780 votes," a direct challenge to the integrity of our electoral system. Trump's plea, “I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have, because we won the state,” was an attempt to manipulate results to overturn a legitimate outcome. If our votes didn’t matter, there would’ve been no need for such a brazen request. This highlights why voting remains the most powerful tool for change.

The move toward hand-counting isn't just about bureaucracy—it’s a tactic to breed doubt about election integrity. Delayed results fuel misinformation and suspicion. But remember, those working to distort the process are betting on our disengagement. Amid this, we must remain steadfast in exercising our right to vote. No matter the obstacles, our ballots hold immense power.

Living in Fulton County: A Personal Stake

As a resident of Fulton County, I've witnessed firsthand how critical our community's voice is in shaping Georgia's future. The energy in the 2020 election was electric—we saw record-breaking turnout, and the city felt more united than ever. But with that engagement came unsettling efforts to undermine our votes. One of the darkest moments was the unjust targeting of election workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Shaye Moss, who were falsely accused of tampering with ballots. These women, who simply did their jobs, were thrust into the spotlight, harassed, and vilified. Their plight represents a larger assault on the integrity of our electoral process.

Over the years, I’ve noticed how voting in Fulton County has grown more challenging. We often wait hours in line, a reality not shared by our neighbors north of the city. Yet, we embraced it as part of our civic duty. I recall volunteers bringing water, snacks, and even Chick-fil-A sandwiches to keep spirits up as we waited. But in recent years, new laws have made these acts of kindness illegal—further evidence of how the system is being tilted against us.

Now, with the introduction of these new hand-counting procedures, it feels like another barrier designed to dissuade us from voting. It’s frustrating, but we cannot afford to let it dampen our resolve. Instead, this is the moment to double down, stay informed, and encourage others to do the same. Our participation is more vital than ever.

What This Means for Georgia

Introducing hand-counting at this stage is more than a procedural change; it’s a deliberate move with significant implications. Georgia's current voting systems have proven to be reliable and efficient. Adding hand-counting introduces room for human error, and delays could stretch long past Election Day, causing uncertainty and distrust. Election officials have voiced their concerns, and it's time we listen. This isn’t just about bureaucratic processes; it’s about the power of our votes.

While proponents argue that hand-counting increases transparency, it’s hard to ignore the potential for it to be weaponized as a way to challenge legitimate results. It’s not just a headache for election workers; it’s a threat to every voter’s faith in the system.

Call to Action: Your Voice Matters More Than Ever

I understand how tiring it is to keep up with the constant changes, but that’s exactly what some are counting on. Don’t let these obstacles discourage you. If your vote didn’t matter, no one would be working so hard to keep you from casting it or trying to "find" enough votes to steal the election back. Remember Trump’s direct appeal for "11,780 votes." It’s a stark reminder that every vote is powerful.

In 2024, your participation is crucial. Whether you're here in Fulton County or elsewhere in Georgia, staying engaged is the best way to counteract these attempts to undermine our democracy. Elections are more than just choosing leaders—they’re about shaping the future we want for ourselves and the next generation. While these new challenges are frustrating, they must motivate us to take action, not step back.

Let’s honor those like Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, who stood firm in the face of unfounded attacks, by showing up, voting, and protecting our democratic process. Together, we can ensure that our voices are not silenced, and that every vote counts.

---

Resources & Further Reading:

• Georgia Election Board Votes to Require Hand Counting of Ballots
• The Importance of Voting Amid New Election Laws

---