Today the TX GOP advanced the egregious #HB6 out of committee. It won't just restrict voter access, it will criminalize voting with harsh penalties. Voters and business leaders must speak up while there is time to stop it from becoming law: StopJimCrow2.com#txlege (1/4)
Texas is facing a host of dangerous anti-voting bills that undermine democracy and voting access; one goes as far as requiring a voter's thumbprint. (2/4)
#HB6 would criminalize voting, push voting violations to the same sentencing range as murder, weaponize fears of prosecution, ban election officials from proactively sending ballot applications—burdening seniors, rural voters, voters with disabilities—and more. #txlege (3/4)
#SB202 suppresses voters, criminalizes compassion & seizes election authority from local + state officials. In 11 years, I never witnessed a massive bill approved at such speed and signed in such desperation. This wasn’t efficiency or principle. This is cowardice. #gapol
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Georgia Republicans want to hide their shameful actions from public scrutiny. It’s Jim Crow in a suit + tie: cutting off access, adding restrictions, encouraging more “show me your papers” actions to challenge a citizen’s right to vote. Facially neutral but racially targeted. 2/
GOP legislators gave themselves the right to takeover local elections & throw out results - what they tried and failed to do in MI. They raised costs for taxpayers and forbid counties from accepting funds to cover the bill. They criminalize free water & food for those in line. 3/
This week, there is a coordinated attack on voting rights. GOP-led legislatures in GA, AZ & NH are pushing dozens of bills to make it harder for people of color & young people to vote. We voted in Nov & instead of listening, they are trying to shut us out of the process. 1/18
In GA, SB 241 would end no-excuse vote-by-mail (VBM), risk identity theft of voters + allow the legislature to steal power from state & local election officials. It's one of the worst VBM bills in the nation & part of the largest push to restrict voting rights since Jim Crow.
GA HB 531 is a direct attack on our communities of faith. It would limit weekend voting, curtailing Souls to the Polls and may create an impossible position for Jewish Georgians who celebrate the Sabbath and vote on Sundays.
Nine weeks of hustle & outreach. Nine weeks of believing we are in this together. Decades of strategy, grit + building. Wednesday’s terrorism seeks to distract us from what has been & what will be. So let’s take today to celebrate the orgs that brought us Tuesday’s victory:
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THREAD: Not only will Georgia turn blue at the top of the ticket, but @GeorgiaDemocrat will win critical races down the ballot from the state house, senate and more.
Meet some of these exceptional candidates below and make your voting plan now: iwillvote.com#gapol
I am proud to support my friend @repmaryfrances in her re-election to serve HD 37. She is a tireless advocate for all Georgians to receive adequate health care, and a strong ally in our efforts to protect the right to vote. Now, lets get it done for Mary Frances Williams. #gapol
.@electluisa will work hard to address the inequalities we face. Her bold leadership will make all of Georgia proud. I am excited to endorse her campaign for HD 43. Let’s Get It Done for Luisa. #gapol
The 2020 GA ballot includes 3 Constitutional Amendments (CAs). If you live in DeKalb or Atlanta, we also have issues on the ballot. I'm voting YES on all 5 questions.
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1. Dedicated taxes & fees: Right now, the state can approve fees for one purpose and then use the money for other reasons. This CA requires that $$ be spent as promised. Opponents worry we could regret restrictions in a crisis. The CA has a process to access funds if needed. 2/6
2. Waives state and local sovereign immunity: When a city, county or the state passes an unconstitutional law, residents can't sue. This fixes the flaw & lawmakers can be held accountable. Some worry about the cost of litigation, but those who sue can't collect damages. 3/6
THREAD: Georgia, our home, faces twin crises: of justice and of conscience. Recent horrifying incidents have renewed the urgency of change. Voting will not solve everything, but to build a government able to deliver equality, we must demand it at the ballot box.
#RoderickWalker was beaten by Clayton County sheriff deputies. While the firing of one officer is a step forward, all officers involved—including those who failed to intervene—should be held accountable. I am thinking of Mr. Walker and his family & join the call for justice.
At the privately-run Irwin County Detention Center, a whistleblower has accused ICE of conducting mass hysterectomies on detained immigrants. The dehumanization of women, esp. immigrant & Black women, is not new but never cease to shock the conscience. This must be investigated.