In a new op-ed published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Trey Grayson and John Merrill call for policymakers in Georgia to stop making changes to the state’s voting laws ahead of this year’s presidential election. They write:
Since the 2020 presidential election, at least nine new election laws have been passed in Georgia. Advocates have had close to four years to push for reforms to make elections safer, more transparent and more secure.
Now, with two months until the general election, it’s essential that we work together to build confidence in our election systems rather than perpetuating unrest, disharmony and potential failure by continuing to make changes to the election process.
In recent weeks, local election officials have requested Georgia’s State Election Board to stop making further changes to the state’s voting procedures. This request follows a number of last-minute rule changes, including some that were pushed through at an unauthorized hearing without several key legislators present. (Those changes were ultimately reversed, and a new hearing held.)
We agree with that request. At this late stage, With less than two months before the election, any further changes will only serve to undermine Georgians’ confidence in their voting system. Elections are important; they are the bedrock of our democratic system. How they are administered is of immense public concern and should always be a matter up for debate. We need to discuss all policy matters publicly and enthusiastically with facts and data supporting our positions.
However, there needs to be a time to end the discussion, adopt the measures of change and administer the election in this particular cycle. This time is now.
Read the full piece here (paywalled).