Group condemns efforts to undermine democracy and appease conspiracy theorists by stacking unfunded mandates on local elections administrators while taking away much-needed private funding
ATLANTA — Fair Fight Action—the national voting rights organization founded by Stacey Abrams—today released a statement responding to the rushed passage of HB 1464, Georgia Republicans’ reckless anti-voter bill that would devastate local election administration and make it harder for Georgians to cast their ballots and make sure that they are counted fairly. Fair Fight Action also reiterated its commitment to fighting attacks on the freedom to vote throughout the remainder of the legislative session, as evidenced by the group’s newly announced seven-figure ad campaign in partnership with a coalition of voting rights groups.
Fair Fight Action Executive Director Cianti Stewart-Reid released the following statement:
“Last night’s effort by Georgia House Republicans to force through an omnibus anti-voter bill that would devastate local elections administration and undermine our democracy should be a wake-up call for all Georgians who care about protecting our democratic institutions. Even after Brian Kemp and his GOP allies promised no new elections bills this year, Georgia Republicans remain steadfast in their anti-voter agenda, pushing last-minute legislation that would dramatically reduce confidence in our elections while doing nothing to make them more secure.
After voters turned out in record numbers in 2020 to make their voices heard, Georgia Republicans have continued to launch attack after attack on our democracy. They spent 2021 passing SB 202–one of the worst anti-voter bills in the country—and are now doubling down through this legislation that would sabotage election administration, pave the way for a flood of sham reviews by Big Lie conspiracy theorists, give law enforcement sweeping new powers to endlessly subpoena ballots and intimidate voters, and even further restrict donations of food and water for voters waiting in hours-long lines.
Let’s be clear: All of the unfunded mandates and new restrictions added by this bill stem from bad actors pushing the false narrative of the Big Lie and a refusal to accept the certified results of the 2020 elections. We cannot stand by as Republicans continue to sow doubt in our democratic system and undermine elections. It’s time for all civic, business, and political leaders across Georgia to stand up against HB 1464’s blatant attacks on our democracy, and let Senate Republican leadership know that they cannot threaten our freedom to vote.”
###