SPLC: Georgia Primary Is 'Self-Inflicted Mess'

ATLANTA - The following statement on reports of problems in Georgia's in-person primary elections is by Nancy Abudu, deputy legal director for the Southern Poverty Law Center:

“Georgia’s in-person primary elections are turning out to be a self-inflicted mess. The stress on our election processes from COVID-19 and the need for social distancing alone do not justify what we are witnessing on the ground. Currently, our Election Protection team is working with partners and determining the full extent of systemic problems and irregularities with the goal of every eligible voter having their ballot count. 

“We are seeing and hearing of average wait times of three and a half to four hours at polling locations for voters. Machines were not delivered to correct polling locations, and many that were delivered lack proper equipment to be functional. Poll workers have not received a sufficient amount of training by state officials on a myriad of issues, including the new machines. Poll workers are also unaware of consolidated polling locations and are not therefore directing potential voters to the proper places to cast ballots. 

“While we urge voters to stay in line to be able to cast their ballots and practice proper social distancing, this is no way to run a democracy in 2020. Georgia state leaders need to learn from today to ensure that for remaining elections this year, every eligible voters can easily cast a ballot and have that ballot counted. An opportune time to address these systemic problems is immediately when state legislators reconvene next Monday for their legislative session.”

Voter can let us know about their specific problems voting today at this link: https://www.splcenter.org/tell-us-your-voting-story