Press Release

“Here in Clarkston we have people who come from diverse backgrounds and we already have enough challenges in getting everyone counted including language barriers – and we don't want another unconstitutional hindrance from counting every single resident of our City,” Clarkston Councilman Awet Eyasu said.

Today’s anniversary comes during a time when our nation is, once again, grappling with its long history of treating people differently based on the color of their skin.

This amendment to SB 463 would be a step backward. It would eliminate an option that Georgia’ elections officials will likely need in the fall elections. Voters should not ever be forced to choose between their health and exercising their right to vote. In pandemic conditions, sending absentee ballot applications to voters is one of the best ways to ensure their ability to vote safely.

The obstacles that Georgia’s voters have faced in this election are simply unacceptable. It’s also unacceptable that the officials entrusted with administering the elections have spent the day dodging blame, rather than accepting responsibility. Georgia’s voters deserve better.

Given the uncertainties surrounding the public health situation, we urge all Georgians to consider using absentee ballots to vote in the upcoming primary elections. Absentee voting is a safe and secure way to participate in that most essential of American activities: helping to choose our government officials.

Secretary Raffensperger recently announced an “Absentee Ballot Task Force” with incredibly broad authority to investigate Georgians who choose to vote by mail. The situations that would trigger an investigation disproportionately affect voters from racial and ethnic minorities, younger voters, low-income voters and those who don’t have a traditional “residential” address.