Major Change Coming To One State’s Election Laws

Georgia legislators passed Senate Bill 189 on Thursday, aiming to address voter eligibility challenges, enhance the security of paper ballots, and establish new criteria for inclusion on the state’s presidential ballot. The impetus for this legislation stemmed from a surge in voter challenges subsequent to former President Donald Trump’s defeat in the 2020 election, amidst his allegations of widespread voter fraud. Against the backdrop of impending 2024 elections, Republican lawmakers in pivotal states, including Georgia, have pursued measures to tighten voting regulations.

SB 189 offers clarity on the notion of “probable cause” concerning voter eligibility challenges. Instances constituting “probable cause” encompass scenarios such as voter registration in multiple jurisdictions, securing a homestead exemption elsewhere, or providing a non-residential address, such as a post office box. This delineation aims to streamline the process for voters contesting their eligibility.

Under the new legislation, any political party qualifying for the presidential ballot in at least 20 states will gain access to Georgia’s ballot. This provision seeks to facilitate the inclusion of independent presidential candidates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who faces the arduous task of collecting sufficient signatures across all 50 states to secure ballot placement. Notably, Kennedy’s super PAC has confirmed his eligibility for Georgia’s ballot.

While Republican proponents assert that SB 189 bolsters voter confidence in election integrity, Democratic dissenters criticize certain provisions, such as the “probable cause” clause, as potential tools for voter disenfranchisement. Representative Saira Draper likened accommodating such measures to negotiating with conspiracy theorists, highlighting partisan discord over the bill.

The legislation mandates timely reporting of absentee ballot results within one hour of polls closing and mandates the use of paper ballots in elections with fewer than 5,000 registered voters. However, these provisions are slated for implementation in 2025. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of QR codes for ballot tabulation, effective July 1, 2026, replacing current methods.

Following approval by both chambers of the legislature, SB 189 now awaits Governor Brian Kemp’s signature. Its passage underscores ongoing efforts to navigate the intersection of electoral integrity, voter access, and partisan interests within the Georgia political landscape.