Blavity: Activists Slam Georgia Republicans’ Bill To Restrict Voting As ‘Jim Crow With A Suit And Tie’

In late February, Georgia Republicans revealed the contents of a 48-page omnibus bill that appears to include several efforts to limit the ability of Black voting populations to turn out the way they did for the 2020 election and the pivotal January runoff elections for both Senate seats.

Activists and experts were up in arms after combing through the bill, finding a variety of measures that seemed aimed specifically at Black voters in the state. Many highlighted the fact that the bill bans early voting on Sundays, seemingly in response to the massive turnout caused by churches that launched “Souls to the Polls” drives that brought people to polling locations after services ended.

The bill specifically would not allow voting to occur on Sundays during the allotted three-week early voting period, instead only allowing it to occur on one Saturday ahead of an election. There are also additional rules added that restrict mail-in voting. …

Common Cause Georgia released a statement calling the bill “Jim Crow with a suit and tie.”

“Georgia’s voters deserve better than to be shut out of legislators’ discussions – particularly when those discussions involve new barriers to voting,” the statement read. “Voting is the foundation of American democracy. By aiming at our ability to cast ballots, Georgia’s legislators are striking at the very core of our government. These legislators may be acting on behalf of their party interests or their political donors. They are certainly not acting on behalf of the people of Georgia.”