Georgia’s 2024 election season is once again under the spotlight, with the state expected to play a pivotal role in the presidential race, where a small margin of votes could determine the outcome. However, significant changes to the state’s election laws, particularly following the 2021 passage of S.B. 202, have raised concerns among grassroots groups, election experts, and voting rights advocates.
S.B. 202 introduced several controversial reforms, including reducing absentee ballot boxes, restricting emergency ballot casting, and tightening rules around provisional ballots on Election Day. Critics argue that these changes, though touted as necessary for election integrity, create obstacles for voters, particularly those facing last-minute schedule changes or those affected by polling location shifts.
Stephanie Jackson Ali from The New Georgia Project pointed out the law’s lesser-known restrictions, which pose logistical challenges, and voter education campaigns are now in full force to mitigate these barriers.
In the 2022 midterms, new restrictions on provisional ballots left many voters confused, particularly when changes to polling locations were not communicated effectively. Additionally, the drastic reduction in ballot drop-off boxes, especially in metro Atlanta, limits voting options, particularly for older voters who rely on absentee ballots.
Despite these challenges, early voting in Georgia has seen a surge, with voters being encouraged to cast their ballots early to avoid Election Day complications.
Advocates are also helping voters navigate the new landscape by offering transportation, information sessions, and emphasizing the importance of checking polling sites frequently.
Georgia’s voting laws reflect a broader national trend, with 29 states enacting similar restrictions since the 2020 election. Voters are urged to familiarize themselves with these new rules and plan accordingly to ensure their votes are counted.