In a move to challenge new rules implemented by the Georgia State Election Board, Democrats have filed a lawsuit on Monday, arguing that the rules could lead to "chaos" in the post-election process. The rules grant local election officials the authority to delay the certification of election results, triggering concerns among Democrats about the potential manipulation of outcomes.

Earlier this month, the election board, dominated by pro-Trump Republicans, voted in favor of granting local election officials the power to conduct a "reasonable inquiry into election results" before certification. Additionally, the new rules require county officials to receive all election-related documentation prior to certification. Democrats assert that these rules imply that local election officials can use personal judgment when deciding whether to certify election results.

The lawsuit, filed by the Democratic Party of Georgia and the Democratic National Committee, argues that such rules exceed the legal authority of the Republican-led election board. They are requesting the court to invalidate the rules and affirm that any claims of election fraud should be addressed through the court system, rather than by the election board.

"The three members Donald Trump called his 'pit bulls' for 'victory' disagree, and they're determined to establish a new power of not certifying an election result should their preferred candidate lose - as he did in 2020," stated Rep. Nikema Williams, chair of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

The controversial 2020 election in Georgia saw President Joe Biden secure victory by a margin of just over 12,000 votes, marking a break from the Republican dominance in the state during presidential elections for the past three decades. Former President Donald Trump waged a months-long battle to overturn the election results, ultimately leading to his indictment by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

With the 2024 presidential election approaching and Georgia positioned as a key battleground state, pro-Trump Republicans in the state argue that these rules will "benefit all Georgians" and ensure a thorough examination of election results by county election boards before certification.

"In no way do these rule changes interfere with anyone's right to vote or cause undue burdens on election workers," asserted Josh McKoon, chairman of the Georgia GOP. "But these steps will ensure transparency, accountability, accurate reporting and reconciliation, and preservation of the right for both parties to observe the processing of ballots."

As the legal battle ensues, the outcome of this lawsuit will have significant implications for the election process in Georgia and could set a precedent for similar challenges in other states as the nation prepares for future elections.