State law changes on recounts and audits to reshape Irwin County’s November procedures

The Irwin County Board reviewed state-level changes that will affect how the county conducts recounts, audits and equipment procurement ahead of the November election.

Board members recounted that an early Senate amendment to SB 3EX had proposed mandatory hand recounts for the top two contests on every ballot but a subsequent House amendment narrowed that requirement. Under the House version, mandatory hand recounts would apply to specified statewide offices only if they fall within a 0.5% threshold and are among the top two contests on the ballot. The board was told the state will reimburse counties for performing any required hand recounts and that, if needed, counties would have nearly 17 days after county certification to complete the work and still meet state certification timelines.

The amended SB 3EX also creates an Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee to recommend technical specifications for a new voting system ahead of the 2028 cycle; the Georgia Association for Voter Registration and Election Officials (GAVREO) Executive Board unanimously recommended Supervisor Ethan Compton as one of three electors to be appointed by the governor to that committee. The board was also informed that the QR code removal deadline in SB 189 (2024) has been postponed to January 1, 2028 to allow time for assessment, testing and training.

Finally, board materials set out that risk-limiting audit requirements will increase: counties were told seven contests will be audited for November — US Senate, US Representative, Governor, Lt. Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General and one selected contest from a specified list that includes state education and regulatory offices.

Supervisor Compton said he is gathering best practices from other jurisdictions and collaborating with GAVREO to develop recommendations for efficient compliance with the new guidelines.