Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed legislation on Tuesday that implements changes to the state’s election laws in preparation for the 2024 presidential election. The bill, SB 189, includes defining probable causes for removing voters from the rolls when their eligibility is challenged, such as death, voting in another jurisdiction, or having a nonresidential address. One controversial aspect of the bill is the consideration of the National Change of Address list, which opponents argue may lead to baseless attacks on voters and disenfranchisement.
The bill also allows challenges to be accepted up until 45 days before an election, prompting the threat of lawsuits from liberal groups. Another contentious provision requires homeless people to use the county voter registration office as their address, potentially making it harder for them to cast their ballots. Voting rights groups, including Fair Fight Action and the ACLU of Georgia, have criticized the bill as voter suppression and a setback for voters’ rights and access.
The bill also grants access to Georgia’s ballot to political parties that have qualified in at least 20 states, potentially benefiting independent candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Changes include removing Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger from the State Election Board, a move that many believe is tied to his defense of the 2020 election results showing President Joe Biden’s victory.
Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of QR codes to count ballots after July 1, 2026, requiring ballots to be read using human-readable marks instead. It also mandates counties to report absentee ballot results promptly after polls close. The bill’s impact on the election process has sparked controversy and criticism, with some groups vowing legal action against the governor’s decision to sign the bill into law.
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