Georgia’s new voting reform bill, just signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, requires all absentee ballots to be counted and results reported on election night.
On Monday, Kemp signed. SB189, which makes several important changes to Georgia’s election procedures. The bill eliminated some of the potential conflicts of interest between the Secretary of State, the State Board of Elections, and other parties involved in vote counting. Force homeless residents to list the county registrar’s office as their mailing address. Prohibits voters from using a post office box or post office box service as proof of residence. It also requires individuals who vote or register to vote in another state or district to reregister in their original district before being allowed to vote there. WSBTV.com report.
“Public confidence in elections is paramount to maintaining public order and facilitating the transfer of power from one political party to another.”
The bill also specifically requires all absentee ballots to be counted and reported within one hour after polls close on Election Day.
All absentee ballots verified and accepted… by the previous Monday Primary, Election, or Runoff ElectionThe results shall be compiled and reported by at the latest. 8 p.m. on the day of the primary, election, or runoff election, or within one hour after voting. All voting in that county will end at the later of the two.
This new rule is very noteworthy. washington examiner He argued that the bill would “do wonders for the integrity of elections in the Peach State,” and that “all states should pass similar legislation.” “Public trust in elections is paramount to maintaining civil order and facilitating the transfer of power from one political party to another. That trust can be maintained in a timely and accurate manner. It is imperative that the votes be counted,” Poff wrote.
However, many on the left are not too enthusiastic about the new bill.An organization called Fair Fight Action reportedly The group founded by twice-unsuccessful Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams calls it a “gift to MAGA election deniers” and emboldens “right-wing activists seeking to purge black and brown voters from the rolls.” he claimed.
Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia, similarly called the bill “a setback for voter rights and voting access.” “This bill would require already overburdened election officials to spend time processing unnecessary voter challenges,” Young said in a written statement. statement.
While some of the bill’s changes won’t go into effect for months or even years, most will go into effect in July, including new rules for absentee voting.
A spokesperson for Governor Kemp did not provide USA Today with a statement regarding the new bill, but confirmed to the outlet that Kemp signed the bill on Monday.
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