Georgia is facing a new election law battle over voter challenges

Georgia’s ongoing battle over election laws has once again taken center stage as Republican lawmakers passed a new bill that would allow the removal of people from the voting rolls through challenges to voter eligibility. This move comes just months before a likely rematch between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

Supporters of the bill argue that these challenges are necessary to prevent fraud by identifying duplicate records and removing voters who have moved out of state. However, opponents claim that these challenges are based on impersonal data and could unfairly target legitimate voters, putting them through unnecessary legal hurdles.

The bill defines probable causes for removing voters from the rolls, including death, evidence of voting in another jurisdiction, or a nonresidential address. One of the most controversial aspects of the bill is the inclusion of the National Change of Address list as a factor in determining voter eligibility, despite concerns about its reliability.

Opponents of the bill fear that it could disenfranchise legitimate voters, particularly younger and poorer individuals who may move more frequently. They also raise concerns about the potential for voter intimidation and the impact on homeless citizens who may face challenges in casting their ballots.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia has already threatened to sue if Governor Brian Kemp signs the bill into law, citing violations of the National Voter Registration Act. With the potential for legal challenges and ongoing controversy surrounding the bill, the future of Georgia’s election laws remains uncertain.