Georgia’s automatic voter registration system has successfully registered almost all eligible citizens to vote, but now some Republicans are pushing to change the system. Senate Bill 221 was recently advanced by the Senate Ethics Committee, which would require individuals to opt in to voter registration when they receive or renew a driver’s license, rather than being automatically registered unless they opt out. This change could potentially make it easier for voters to be challenged based on their residency, leading to concerns about voter suppression.
The push to change the automatic voter registration system comes as Georgia is expected to be a competitive state in the upcoming presidential election. Some Republicans argue that the current system results in extra work for election officials and creates duplicate registrations. They believe that individuals should have to actively choose to register to vote, rather than being automatically registered. However, opponents warn that changing the system could lead to less accurate voter rolls and a decrease in voter registrations.
The proposed bill includes provisions that would allow counties to utilize private companies to void improper voter registrations, based on factors such as change of address information from the U.S. Postal Service. It also allows election boards to uphold challenges to a voter’s registration based on various criteria, such as registering in a different jurisdiction or having missing or invalid information. These provisions could potentially disenfranchise voters due to data entry errors or other issues beyond their control.
Additionally, the bill would permit counties to hold elections on paper ballots with approval from the State Election Board. This could pave the way for jurisdictions to move away from the state’s electronic ballot marking system, as demanded by many Republican activists. However, the bill removes language about the use of paper ballots in emergencies, which some critics argue could create problems during unforeseen circumstances.
Overall, the proposed changes to Georgia’s automatic voter registration system have sparked debate among lawmakers and election officials. While some argue that the system should be opt-in rather than opt-out, others caution that altering the system could lead to voter suppression and inaccuracies in voter rolls. As the state gears up for another competitive election, the outcome of these proposed changes could have significant implications for voter registration and voting processes in Georgia.
