The Women

What are the Dangerous Consequences of Georgia's New Voting Laws?

04.08.2021 - By Rose ReidPlay

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All eyes are on Georgia. Again. Senate Bill 202, a 98-page document outlines new provisions restricting voting registration, voting by mail, and early voting. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed a rushed bill in private chambers. Representative Park Cannon was arrested (!) for knocking (!) on his door during session. Delta, Coca-Cola, and Major League Baseball publicly criticized the measures, and Senate Republican Leadership Mitch McConnell and Governor Brian Kemp have threatened "serious consequences" to such companies that speak out against voting restrictions.

To help make sense of what this means for real voters, voting rights activist Helen Butler joins The Women from the Coalition of the People's Agenda. Lauded by Stacey Abrams and Fair Fight as one of the fundamental grassroots 'hall of fame' organizers, Helen helps break down how the bill will impact voters in rural and urban areas.

Tune back in two weeks for a conversation with Park Cannon about how she's fighting back after her arrest at the Georgia Capitol.

...and here's a primer on some of the provisions laid out by the Senate Bill 202 for you phone scrollers, linking to the New York Times:

Voters will now have less time to request absentee ballots.

There are strict new ID requirements for absentee ballots.

It’s now illegal for election officials to mail out absentee ballot applications to all voters.

Drop boxes still exist … but barely.

Mobile voting centers (think an R.V. where you can vote) are essentially banned.

Early voting is expanded in a lot of small counties, but probably not in more populous ones.

Offering food or water to voters waiting in line now risks misdemeanor charges.

The Republican-controlled legislature has more control over the State Election Board.

The secretary of state is removed as a voting member of the State Election Board.

The G.O.P.-led legislature is empowered to suspend county election officials.

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