In recent days, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has experienced an unexpected shift in his relationship with former President Donald Trump. After years of clashes over the 2020 election results, Trump publicly praised Kemp on social media for his "help and support." However, their newfound rapport may be short-lived as Kemp now faces a decision regarding the Georgia State Election Board and the controversial rule changes they have approved.

The State Election Board, composed of a conservative majority, has come under fire for their recent approval of new election rules. While Trump supports these changes, state and local officials have expressed concerns that these rules could lead to confusion, compromise ballot security, and potentially allow rogue county boards to impede the certification of election results in November.

In response to the growing controversy, Governor Kemp has sought an advisory opinion from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr regarding his authority to address ethics complaints against the state board. Complaints have alleged that the board members' actions were inappropriate and state law requires the governor to remove them if found guilty.

One particularly contentious rule approved by the board allows county election boards to make "reasonable inquiries" before certifying election results. However, the rule lacks specific guidelines on what constitutes a reasonable inquiry, potentially leading to delays and providing opportunities to undermine election outcomes, similar to the attempts made by Trump and his allies during the 2020 election.

Another rule scheduled for consideration on September 20 mandates hand counts of ballots at the precinct level on election night. State and local election officials have expressed concerns over the potential for less accurate results and compromised ballot security, emphasizing the vulnerability of ballots handled by multiple people at precincts.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who attended an election-security training alongside other officials, criticized the State Election Board, referring to it as "a mess." Raffensperger cited legal precedence that changing rules during an ongoing election is improper, pointing to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

In response to the controversy surrounding the certification rule, state and national Democrats have filed a lawsuit in state court. They argue that allowing county boards to address allegations of fraud or election misconduct during the counting process is against statutory requirements, and these matters should be resolved through the courts.

The Georgia State Election Board holds various responsibilities, including investigating election administration, recommending sanctions or prosecution for mismanagement or fraud, and making recommendations for new laws and rules to ensure uniformity and integrity in state elections. Despite its bipartisan composition, the board has historically played a less prominent role compared to other officials involved in Georgia's voting process, such as the secretary of state.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Governor Kemp finds himself in a delicate position due to Trump's endorsement of the State Election Board's actions. Trump publicly praised the three conservative board members during a rally, characterizing them as fighters for honesty, transparency, and victory. However, Kemp has remained silent on his stance regarding the board's actions, potentially fearing a repeat of Trump's pressure campaign if he loses Georgia again.

Unnamed sources close to Kemp indicate that he hopes to maintain a positive relationship with Trump and is seeking clarity by consulting the attorney general for an advisory opinion on the matter. Kemp's spokesperson emphasized the governor's commitment to upholding the laws and constitution of Georgia.

The recent warming of relations between Trump and Kemp follows a period of acrimony, during which Trump publicly criticized Kemp, even going so far as to label him a "bad guy" and "disloyal." Polls indicate that Kemp remains highly popular in Georgia, and his robust ground operation could prove beneficial for Trump's campaign.

As the 2022 election approaches, it remains to be seen how the controversy surrounding the Georgia State Election Board will unfold and whether Governor Kemp will take action in response to the ethics complaints. With the critical swing state of Georgia hanging in the balance, the outcome of this political battle could have a significant impact on the 2022 election results.