Peach Tree Times

The Georgia Legislature is set to vote on House Bill 976, which has sparked concern over its potential impact on elections in the state. The bill proposes allowing random websites as sources for voter eligibility challenges, which critics argue could lead to disenfranchisement due to unreliable change-of-address data used for voter registration verification.

House Bill 976 also mandates that election officials provide high-resolution ballot images within three days of a request and introduces new chain of custody requirements. Additionally, it requires unhoused voters to use the county registrar’s office as their mailing address, raising concerns about logistical burdens on county staff.

The financial implications are also notable, with taxpayers potentially facing increased costs due to the need for additional staff and hours dedicated to verifying challenges.

Anne-Gray Herring from Common Cause Georgia expressed strong opposition: “This dangerous bill does nothing to help voters and election workers. It will wreak havoc on Georgia’s elections and must be stopped."

She further stated that HB 976 "poses an unnecessary burden on workers and voters" and urged legislators to oppose the bill, emphasizing the importance of making voting accessible for all eligible citizens.

If passed by the legislature, the bill will proceed to the Governor's desk for signing into law.