Tuesday, Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp signed three voting-related bills into law. These measures create new rules for voter challenges. Republicans claim the bills will secure future elections. Plus, the victory is sweet especially for some that believe the 2020 Presidential election was ‘stolen’.
Kemp signed Senate Bill 189 into law Tuesday afternoon. The legislation creates new rules for challenging voter qualifications. It also bans the use of QR codes to count ballots after 2026. SB 189 also requires the counting of all advance and absentee ballots within an hour of the polls closing. Additionally, any political party or political body could qualify for the presidential ballot if it already has gained access to the ballot in at least 20 states or territories.
Controversially, unhoused people without a permanent address must re-register to vote. They will not be able to vote at a homeless shelter. Persons that are “homeless and without a permanent address” — must visit the county’s registrar’s office. Previously, registered voters without permanent addresses have registered at shelters or government offices, including courthouses.
“Since we’ve been in the majority, we’ve worked on election bills every year, there’s been a tweak to our elections,” said House Speaker Jon Burns after the bill passed. “We have been looking at different alternatives that will allow our elections to be run very efficiently and effectively. But with security. And we did take some steps with that in the budget today to make sure that the Secretary of State and his team are able to do the job that gives Georgians confidence in our elections.”
Activists say they’ll see the Governor in court
Previously, the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia announced if Governor Kemp signs the measure, they will file a lawsuit. According to the bill, it allows anyone in the State of Georgia to challenge a voter’s validity or legality up to 45 days before an election. Conversely, the National Voter Registration Act prohibits states and counties from making changes to voting rolls within 90 days of a federal election.
“SB 189 is a step back for voters’ rights and voting access in the state of Georgia,” said Andrea Young, executive director of the ACLU of Georgia, in a statement. “Most importantly, this bill will require already overburdened election workers to spend time processing unnecessary voter challenges. As always, elected state officials should work to make voting easier and not more difficult for Georgia citizens. We are committed to protecting Georgia voters and will see the governor in court.”
Kemp also signed House Bill 974 on Tuesday. This legislation allows for all ballots to be available for the public to access via the Georgia Secretary of State’s website. Also, the measure ensures that no personal identifying information of voters in the digital scans of ballots would be available to the public.
Lastly, Kemp signed House Bill 1207 into law. The measure requires all election workers to be U.S. citizens. It also reduces the number of election machines to one machine per every 250 voters.
Activists believe if Republicans can convince Black people to stay home or kick them off the rolls, the plan is a success. They say it is the force behind SB 189 as well as Senate Bill 202. Additionally, they believe the GOP does not want 11,780 votes be the margin that decides an election for the Democrats.
“Access to the ballot is at the heart of our democracy. This election ‘Frankenbill’ violates the National Voter Registration Act. We are committed to protecting Georgia voters. If the governor signs this bill, we will see him in court,” said Young.