Hand Count Halted

Plus, always showing up.

October 17, 2024

The Flag

Good morning and Happy Thursday! Here are the Flag’s Top Five stories that should be on your radar to start the day:

  • US: Jimmy Carter fulfills wish of voting for Harris (The Hill)

  • World: More than 140 killed in Nigerian tanker explosion, officials say (ABC News)

  • Business: Amazon looks to advanced nuclear reactors to meet climate goals (The Verge)

  • Technology: $250 Analogue 3D will play all your N64 cartridges in 4K early next year (Ars Technica)

  • Sports: Tom Brady is now a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders (NPR)

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😬 George Washington’s dentures: Made from… what? You won’t believe the materials that went into crafting his famous smile—it’s a mix of history’s quirkiest secrets and unsettling truths. Read more by becoming a premium subscriber today!

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Right: Biden’s Betrayal of Israel, Michael Goodwin, New York Post

Right: Kamala Is a Phony. Black Voters See Right Through Her, Adam B. Coleman, New York Post

Left: Will Biden Cost Harris the Election? Chuck Todd, NBC News

Left: Trump Makes His Most Extreme Tariffs Threat Yet, Paige Oamek, The New Republic

2024

Hand Count Halted

Today’s Top Story: A Fulton County judge blocked a recently installed Georgia Election Board rule that would require all 2024 election ballots to be hand-counted.

Reporting from the Right: Georgia judge blocks rule requiring clerks to hand count number of ballots (Fox News)

Reporting from the Left: Georgia judge blocks rule requiring counties to hand-count Election Day ballots (NBC News)

RIGHT-LEANING SENTIMENT

Harris Campaign Celebrating

The Top Argument From The Right: Harris campaign celebrates after Georgia judge blocks hand-count ballot rule, Elizabeth Elkind, Fox News: “Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign is celebrating after a Georgia judge temporarily blocked a rule that would have forced election officials to hand count ballots after they have been machine-tabulated. ‘From the beginning, this rule was an effort to delay election results to sow doubt in the outcome, and our democracy is stronger thanks to this decision to block it,’ a joint statement to several media outlets read. ‘We will continue fighting to ensure that voters can cast their ballot knowing it will count.’ … In Tuesday night's ruling, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney did not take issue with the intent of the rule itself but criticized the SEB's decision to make changes so close to Election Day. He noted that no training had been implemented or developed to prepare election workers for the new procedure, nor had funds been allocated for that purpose. … Georgia Republican Party officials and allies of former President Trump held up the rule as a fair guardrail to increase voter confidence in the election process. … McBurney wrote that the rule ‘on paper’ appeared consistent with the SEB's goal to ensure fair and legal elections but added any new measure…”

Honorable Mention #2: Georgia judge halts mandatory hand-counting of ballots on election night, Brady Knox, Washington Examiner.

LEFT-LEANING SENTIMENT

Loss for Trump

The Top Argument From The Left: Pro-Trump Republicans Suffer Crushing Loss Weeks Before Election, Ellie Quinlan Houghtaling, The New Republic: “In his ruling, [Judge Robert] McBurney noted that although the strenuous regulation appeared, on its face, to be consistent with the intent and purpose of the State Election Board, the timing of the rule’s passage and its expedited implementation would only further destabilize the election and seed chaos. … ‘This election season is fraught; memories of January 6 have not faded away, regardless of one’s view of that date’s fame or infamy,’ McBurney wrote. ‘Anything that adds uncertainty and disorder to the electoral process disserves the public.’ … It’s the second consecutive blow to the MAGA movement’s supposed success in the Peach State. On Monday, McBurney torched another component of the far-right overhaul, deciding that local election officials could not stand in the way of voting results and cannot refuse to certify election results. Instead, officials have a duty to certify the results by 5 p.m. on the Monday following Election Day, according to the judge. … ‘No election superintendent (or member of a board of elections and registration) may refuse to certify or abstain from certifying election results under any circumstance,’ he ruled.”

Honorable Mention #1: Judge Strikes Down Team Trump’s Chaotic Vote Counting Ploy, Janna Brancolini, Daily Beast.

Honorable Mention #2: 'Too much, too late': Divisive Georgia ballot rule blocked by judge, Aysha Bagachi, USA Today.

FLAG THIS

What Was the Rule?

The ballot-count rule was passed last month by the Republican-led Georgia State Election Board. The rule required the hand counting of ballots at each precinct in addition to the customary machine count. Proponents argue this change enhances election integrity and transparency, asserting that hand counting is a straightforward process.

However, opponents, including state officials and election workers, warn that the rule could lead to significant delays in reporting results and may not be legally supported, as it allegedly violates existing state laws. Critics also express concerns about the added burden on election workers and the lack of resources in some counties (ABC News).

Do you believe hand counting ballots should be required in addition to machine counting?

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WATERCOOLER

Capone Convicted, Vengeful Fauna, Speedy Nerves

On This Day in 1931, gangster Al Capone is convicted of tax evasion, signaling the downfall of one of the most notorious criminals of the 1920s and 1930s. He was later sentenced to 11 years in federal prison and fined $50,000.

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If you’re a homeowner, you know unexpected expenses are par for the course. One way to help shield your finances is to get a home warranty. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers natural disasters and theft, a home warranty could help safeguard you against costly repairs of eligible essential home appliances and systems due to normal wear and tear. Check out Money’s list of the Best Home Warranties and take the sting out of appliance breakdowns.

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