WRBL News 3: Georgia Senate approves bill that gets rid of early voting, extends advanced voting and more

"On Tuesday, the Georgia Senate approved a bill that would get rid of early voting but would add another week for advanced voting.
According to the Secretary of State of Georgia who oversees elections, advanced voting takes place a week before Election Day. Early voting can begin at least 45 days before a General Election or 21 days before a Municipal General Election.
Republican State Senator Joshua McKoon represents GA district 29 which includes Columbus. State Senator McKoon is sponsoring Senate Bill 92 to get rid of early voting because he said early voting is a waste of resources. ...
'This bill is about expanding voting opportunities it’s about taking the advanced voting period up to seven days up to 14 days, multiple locations, we also give the counties the flexibility to have voting on the two Saturdays prior to the election,' said State Senator McKoon. ...
Senate Bill 92 heads to the House for consideration. However, the bill would still need to be approved by the U.S. Department of Justice under the voting rights act before it became law.
State Senator McKoon also adds nothing in this legislation will get rid of paper absentee voting. Voters can still request those ballots 45 days prior to an election."

The entire article, with commenting, is at http://www2.wrbl.com/news/2011/mar/04/ga-senate-approves-bill-gets-rid-early-voting-ar-1539170/ 

Georgia: How to contact your own state Representatives on bill SB 92. 


Thanks to Election Law Center for the link.



Remember, "voting turnout and activism means spreading the word!"

The Washington Post: Top Georgia court upholds state's voter ID law

"Georgia's top court has upheld a state law that requires voters to show photo identification before they cast ballots.
The Georgia Supreme Court's 6-1 decision Monday is the latest court ruling to conclude that the rules are constitutional. The decision found the 2006 law was a "minimal, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory restriction."
Georgia attorneys said the measure is needed to prevent voter fraud, but the Democratic Party of Georgia countered that state legislators have no proof anyone tried to illegally cast a ballot.
Critics have also long claimed the law creates an undue burden on the poor, the disabled and minorities."

This article, without commenting, is at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/07/AR2011030701519.html 

Thanks to Election Law for the link.


Remember, "voting turnout and activism means spreading the word!"