The Daily Georgia's Election Meltdown
Jun 11, 2020
Astead W. Herndon, a national politics reporter for The New York Times, dives into the chaotic primary elections in Georgia, where new voting systems caused long lines and frustration. He discusses the alarming implications for voting rights, especially for minority communities. Herndon highlights how both Democratic and Republican parties are strategizing in response to demographic changes and the vital role Georgia plays in the upcoming election. With tensions rising, he paints a picture of a critical battleground that could reshape national politics.
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Georgia's Primary Election Chaos
- Georgia's primary elections saw widespread issues like polling sites opening late and being understaffed.
- Problems with new voting machines, a shortage of polling places, and missing absentee ballots led to long lines and voter frustration.
Underlying Issues in Georgia's Election
- The chaos in Georgia's primary wasn't a fluke but a confluence of local and state-level problems.
- Democrats blame a Republican-run system for hindering the election process, while counties acknowledge machine and process failures.
Impact of the Voting Rights Act Ruling
- The 2013 Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act gave states more autonomy over voting procedures.
- This allowed Georgia to overhaul its system, including closing polling places and implementing the 'exact match' law, disproportionately impacting minority voters.
