Democratic Party of Georgia

Help Move Georgia Forward

DPG Chair Denounces Remarks Made By GA GOP State Senator on Sunday Voting

Release:  Tuesday, September 9, 2014

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Denounces Remarks Made By Georgia Republican State Senator on Sunday Voting

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Days after DeKalb County CEO Lee May announced that DeKalb voters would—for the first time in state history—be allowed to cast their ballot on a Sunday, Georgia Republicans are announcing plans to suppress voter turnout.

 

Today, State Senator Fran Millar said of Sunday voting “Now we are to have Sunday voting at South DeKalb Mall just prior to the election. Per Jim Galloway of the AJC, this location is dominated by African American shoppers and it is near several large African American mega churches such as New Birth Missionary Baptist. Galloway also points out the Democratic Party thinks this is a wonderful idea – what a surprise… I have spoken with Representative Jacobs and we will try to eliminate this election law loophole in January.”

 

Later, Millar took to social media to say “…I would prefer more educated voters than a greater increase in the number of voters…”

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chairman DuBose Porter issued the following statement in response to Millar’s remarks:

 

“What have Georgia Republicans come to when they are outwardly admitting to suppressing the African American vote? Further, his comments about ‘educated voters’ are reprehensible. I suppose Fran would prefer a return to literacy tests or the poll tax while he’s at it.

 

“Access to the polls is not a loophole—it’s a guaranteed right. And it’s Fran’s responsibility to make sure that the tens of thousands of voters in his district have every opportunity to make their voice heard. Anything less than that is reckless and frankly un-American.

 

“As Democrats, our mission is clear—to ensure every eligible voter can register, that every registered voter can vote, and that every vote is accurately counted. Even in the face of this brazen and discriminatory move by Republicans, we will continue to work toward the expansion of voting access. It is our civic responsibility.”

 

###

BACKGROUND

 

AJC 9/9/2014 – GOP state senator says first Sunday vote in DeKalb will be the last

 

Think Progress 9/9/2014 – Georgia Senator Complains That Voting Is Too Convenient For Black People

 

 

 

Voting Access – A Tale of Two Parties

Release:  Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Atlanta, Georgia – Just days after DeKalb County announced that—in a historic first for Georgia—DeKalb voters will be allowed to cast their ballot on Sunday, Georgia Republicans are already announcing plans for new legislation to specifically suppress voter turnout.

AJC 9/6/2014 – DeKalb CEO Lee May – “This is a nonpartisan opportunity that we have before us.”

DPG Chair DuBose Porter says ““I think the rest of the 158 counties in Georgia ought to do it. Voting ought to be as convenient as possible.”

AJC 9/9/2014 – Georgia Republican Senator Fran Millar, responds:

“Now we are to have Sunday voting at South DeKalb Mall just prior to the election. Per Jim Galloway of the AJC, this location is dominated by African American shoppers and it is near several large African American mega churches such as New Birth Missionary Baptist. Galloway also points out the Democratic Party thinks this is a wonderful idea – what a surprise.

…Is it possible church buses will be used to transport people directly to the mall since the poll will open when the mall opens?

…I don’t think this is necessarily true and we are investigating if there is any way to stop this action.

…I have spoken with Representative Jacobs and we will try to eliminate this election law loophole in January.”