Voting Access – A Tale of Two Parties

Release:  Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Atlanta, Georgia – Just days after DeKalb County announced that—in a historic first for Georgia—DeKalb voters will be allowed to cast their ballot on Sunday, Georgia Republicans are already announcing plans for new legislation to specifically suppress voter turnout.

AJC 9/6/2014 – DeKalb CEO Lee May – “This is a nonpartisan opportunity that we have before us.”

DPG Chair DuBose Porter says ““I think the rest of the 158 counties in Georgia ought to do it. Voting ought to be as convenient as possible.”

AJC 9/9/2014 – Georgia Republican Senator Fran Millar, responds:

“Now we are to have Sunday voting at South DeKalb Mall just prior to the election. Per Jim Galloway of the AJC, this location is dominated by African American shoppers and it is near several large African American mega churches such as New Birth Missionary Baptist. Galloway also points out the Democratic Party thinks this is a wonderful idea – what a surprise.

…Is it possible church buses will be used to transport people directly to the mall since the poll will open when the mall opens?

…I don’t think this is necessarily true and we are investigating if there is any way to stop this action.

…I have spoken with Representative Jacobs and we will try to eliminate this election law loophole in January.”