Republicans in Georgia are facing immense backlash after pushing through law that works to impose new voting restrictions.
The bill adds new identification requirements for absentee ballots, reduces the use of drop-off boxes for ballots, encourages state interference of local elections, and even makes it illegal to provide voters in line with food and water. While many see this as clear voter suppression, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp states that the new law will help ensure Georgia has “secure, accessible, and fair” elections. Since February, 43 states have introduced several new bills that aim to restrict voting. It is likely that former President Trump’s loss back in November has spurred many lawmakers, especially in swing states, to try and change the law.
Not only is the situation in Georgia a voter-issue, but it is also a Black-issue. Rep. Park Cannon, after repeatedly knocking on Governor Kemp’s door, was arrested and sent to jail after protesting the legislation. Rep. Cannon states that this law disproportionally affects voters that are Black and voters that have a lower socio-economic status. Voter restrictions tend to affect these populations specifically, and since the 2020 election saw a rise in voter turnout, Rep. Cannon and many others believe that lawmakers are trying to re-silence these groups of people.
Three voting groups have already sued the state of Georgia, although only time will tell the end result. These groups claim that the bill goes against the Voting Rights Act, as well as the first and fourteenth amendments in the United States Constitution. There is also a chance of legislation passing in the U.S. Congress that focuses on increasing voter turnout, which would undo these state laws in Georgia.
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