Peach Tree Times

Former President Jimmy Carter has heavily criticized Georgia lawmakers over legislation making it more difficult to apply for ballots.

The one-time Georgia governor said the passage of the bills, including a key one related to absentee ballots, has left him "disheartened, saddened and angry."

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed the measure into law Thursday.

Supporters argue that the bills are aimed at shoring up the "integrity" of the election system, but opponents are drawing a straight line between claims of a tainted election last November, and the success of Democrats, and the moves by Republican legislators.

"American democracy means every eligible person has the right to vote in an election that is fair, open and secure," Carter said in a statement. "It should be flexible enough to meet the electorate's changing needs. As Georgians, we must protect these values. We must not lose the progress we have made. We must not promote confidence among one segment of the electorate by restricting the participation of others. Our goal always should be to increase, not decrease, voter participation."

He added: "Many of the proposed changes are reactions to allegations of fraud for which no evidence was produced—allegations that were, in fact, refuted through various audits, recounts and other measures."

The law requires voters to include their driver's license number, other state identification, or a photocopy of an approved ID when applying for an absentee ballot, which currently can be processed with a verified signature.

After the House voted 100-75 to pass the revised measure, the Senate quickly supported the changes in a 34-20 party line vote. 

“It’s not about disenfranchising voters," sponsor Sen. Larry Walker (R-Perry) told the Associated Press. "It’s not about overly burdening the electorate. It’s about efficiency, integrity, allowing the Georgia public to have confidence in the vote." 

Prior to the vote, Sen. David Lucas (D-Macon) said, "The election didn’t turn out the way you want, and you want to perpetuate the lie that [Donald] Trump told. We’re going to fight, there’s no question about what’s going to happen. And you’re going to spend taxpayer money trying to defend it."