In early April of 2021, Georgia’s Republican legislature and governor passed a 98-page bill that significantly amended the state’s voting laws. The bill quickly sparked extensive criticism.
Major corporations like Amazon, General Motors, and Delta Airlines have voiced their opposition to Georgia’s new voting laws, and Major League Baseball moved their 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta.
So, what’s all the fuss about? What do you need to know about the potential effects on Georgia voters?
Changes to voting rights.
The voting bill touches on every voting option that Georgians have: day-of, early, and by mail.
Shortened windows for mail-in ballots.
In the past, voters could request mail-in ballots six months before election day and counties could send those ballots up to 49 days in advance.
Now, voters must request mail-in ballots between 78 and 11 days prior to election day. Counties can only start sending those ballots when the election is 29 days away, which is 20 days later than the previous start date. Also, under the new law, a voter has to explicitly request a mail-in ballot to get one.
