The Republican-controlled Georgia Senate voted Monday to pass legislation containing a slew of restrictions to suppress voting rights in the swing state ― a move that follows unprecedented election wins for Democrats in Georgia.
The state legislative chamber voted 29-20 to pass SB 241, which will now go to the Georgia House, where it is also expected to pass. Republican Gov. Brian Kemp has refused to say whether he will sign the sweeping voter restriction bill, though as Georgia’s secretary of state he oversaw vote suppression that helped him win office over voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, a Democrat.
The bill would end no-excuse absentee balloting, which was pushed by Republicans when it became law in 2005. Voters who are eligible to vote by mail under the bill would be required to submit a photo ID and have their ballot signed by a witness in order for their vote to count.
Crossover Day: Controversial voting bill, citizen’s arrest overhaul among legislation moving forward WSBTV.com News Staff
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Georgia lawmakers had their hands full on Monday as another Crossover Day came to a close.
Crossover Day is when bills need to advance in the House or Senate to have a shot at passing this session.
The 28th day of the 40-day legislative session is the last day for bills to move from one chamber to the other that is, to cross over and still have a clear path to becoming law this year.
The Georgia Senate members went home before 8 p.m. but members of the Georgia House remained on the floor until 11 p.m.
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