Thread by @iMajorWish

I continue to see people ask how the new Georgia law, hereafter referred to as SB202, is a “voter suppression bill.” Here’s how.. #GaPol

A THREAD 🧵🪡

Shortens the amount of time that an eligible voter can request an absentee ballot. It also pushes up the deadline for when a voter must return their absentee ballot as well.

It adds ADDITIONAL photo identification requirements for voting by mail. If you don’t have a Drivers License, you have to send a photocopy of your ID.

This adds additional barriers for rural voters, non-convicted inmates, and poor and disabled voters.

For voters who choose to vote by mail, it is now mandated that the DOB be placed on the absentee ballot before being sealed.

Again, this is especially concerning for disabled and senior voters.

This law prohibits private or “third-party” funding for elections administration. Preventing local governments from having the flexibility and space for creativity to run their own elections is troubling on many levels.

Again, this will ultimately hurt voters.

Want to talk about suppression?

The new law decreases the amount of time for a runoff from 9 weeks to 28 days. Leaves NO time for a voter registration period. NO time for counties to prepare for the new election.

Again, hurts voters in the long run.

This allows for an unlimited amount of voter challenges meaning any one can challenge a persons right to vote and it be totally legal.

Over 350K voters were erroneously challenged by TrueTheVote mere DAYS before the ‘20 Runoff election causing mass confusion.

Suppression.

Though some will say this “expands voting hours,” the new law adds new restrictions on polling location hours extensions - primarily targeting the major metro counties.

I think this one speaks for itself.

The new law bans a county, say Fulton County (ajc.com/news/atlanta-n… from being able to use mobile voting.

Why prevent a local government from being creative to solve long lines? Long lines - again - disenfranchise voters and is a form of VOTER SUPPRESSION.

The MOST concerning of this legislation is the ability for the state to be able to TAKE OVER local Boards of Elections and the State Election Board and name political/partisan appointees to oversee both. No accountability to voters.

This is by definition voter suppression.

SB202:

Does NOT lead to more accessible elections.
Does NOT improve voter confidence.
Does NOT have support of most Georgians

DOES lead to longer wait times.
DOES target Black and Brown voters
DOES take away local control
DOES attack the right to vote.

Granted, there are some good takeaways from both this bill and this moment. Georgians are watching. Georgians are reading. Georgians are engaged.

And despite this partisan attempt to silence us, GEORGIANS WILL VOTE. #GaPol

We have a horrible law that will be challenged in court. But if not by the tireless efforts of SO SO many, it would’ve been even worse. I’d be remised if I didn’t name @ngpaction, @ACLUofGA, @fairfightaction, @gcpagenda and @BlackVotersMtr.

@Georgia_NAACP thanks you. #GaPol