States Rush to Revise Election Rules Just Days Before Voting Begins

As Election Day on November 5 approaches, several states across the U.S. are implementing new laws that will fundamentally alter voting processes. These changes are especially impactful in presidential swing states, as they affect how ballots are cast, counted, and certified. With many states already dispatching mail ballots and opening in-person voting, keeping track of these late modifications poses significant challenges.

In Georgia, election workers will be mandated to conduct hand-counts of ballots after the polls close, a measure expected to potentially delay results. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, some students and university staff will be allowed to use digital IDs for voting, a first in the state under its new photo voter ID law. Wisconsin has re-legalized the use of ballot drop boxes, though their implementation varies by municipality.

“Last-minute changes to election rules can lead to confusion for both voters and election officials,” warned Megan Bellamy, vice president of law and policy for the Voting Rights Lab. Her comments underline the urgency as Election Day nears, highlighting the responsibility of lawmakers and election bodies to manage these adjustments effectively.

In Georgia, newly imposed hand-counting protocols will see three poll workers counting the number of ballots at each polling site—not the votes—ensuring compliance with the new regulations. Proponents argue this step is necessary for verifying that the physical ballots match electronic results. However, critics, including state officials, fear that this process could inadvertently slow down election night reporting.

Arizona faces similar delays due to a new requirement to hand-count ballot envelopes dropped at polling locations on Election Day. Maricopa County has already experienced slowdowns during the July primary, with expectations running high that this could extend further during the general election.

Mail-in voting has sparked partisan disputes, leading to a variety of new rules. In Wisconsin, drop boxes were prohibited until recently but are now available again, albeit at the discretion of local authorities. Ohio has instituted new requirements limiting who can drop off ballots, while Pennsylvania navigates ongoing court cases regarding the treatment of provisional ballots.

With President Biden and former President Trump both focusing on areas like Florida—where changes to mail-in voting laws may affect turnout—this election cycle is poised to present unique challenges. Voter registration enforcement measures, including restrictions on electronic signatures in Arkansas, further complicate accessibility.

In a further bid to enforce integrity, Georgia’s election board has implemented regulations for post-election certification processes, enabling broad reviews of election documentation. Democrats are pushing back against these measures, fearing they may enable local officials to reject certification based on electoral sentiments rather than facts.

Meanwhile, New Hampshire has initiated random postelection audits of electronic voting systems, ensuring compliance and accuracy in vote counting. Nebraska’s attempts to change the allocation of electoral votes appear stalled, reflecting differing political priorities as Election Day nears.

With these evolving rules and procedures, the landscape of the 2024 elections remains precarious. Ensuring smooth operations amid legislative upheaval will be crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

___

Associated Press statehouse reporters across the country contributed to this report.

___

The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about AP’s democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.