government
Runoff ballots get hand count as Kemp signs new recount rules, expanding audits on July 1
By Abby Kousouris at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News
· June 25, 2026
· 2 min read
Editor’s note: the above video is from previous coverage. ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Election officials across Georgia began hand-counting randomly selected ballot batches from the June 16 primary runoff as part of a statewide audit designed to verify that vote scanners recorded results ...
Key takeaway (Atlanta News First) — Election officials across Georgia began hand-counting randomly selected ballot batches from the June 16 primary runoff as part of a statewide audit designed to verify that vote scanners recorded results accurately.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The implementation of SB 3EX in Fulton County and across Georgia will have significant implications for local election administration. As the state's most populous county, Fulton will face unique challenges in managing the expanded audit requirements, particularly in close races. The experience of counties like Rockdale, which must implement the new rules immediately due to a special election, will be closely watched by Fulton County officials. The potential for discrepancies between hand-count and machine totals raises important questions about how such issues will be resolved, and local election officials will be looking to the secretary of state's office for clear guidance. With the November election looming, Fulton County's ability to effectively implement the new audit requirements will be crucial in maintaining the integrity and transparency of the electoral process.
About this story
Original reporting by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: government ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Editor’s note: the above video is from previous coverage. ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Election officials across Georgia began hand-counting randomly selected ballot batches from the June 16 primary runoff as part of a statewide audit designed to verify that vote scanners recorded results ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Abby Kousouris at Atlanta News First (WANF CBS) - News. To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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