© 2024 WUGA | University of Georgia
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

ACLU of Georgia Proposes Expansion of Early Voting Times

Atlanta—The American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia (ACLU) has sent a letter to 20 counties around the state imploring them to consider expanding early voting days and hours.

Below are the ACLU’s recommendations for expansion:

1)  At least two weeks of weekday evening hours extending to 8 p.m.

2) At least two weeks of Saturday voting, with at least 8 hours each day

3) At least two weeks of Sunday voting, with at least 8 hours each day

4) Multiple early voting locations that reflect where the populations are concentrated in each county, and

5) Publicly post early voting days, hours, and locations at least 90 days in advance of an election.

Andrea Young, Director of the ACLU in Georgia states that by expanding these hours, the state would be giving working, busy citizens a better opportunity to vote.

“Our democracy works best when everyone has a fair and equitable opportunity to participate in our elections,” Young says. “Georgia’s voters have long commutes, work long hours, and have demanding family responsibilities. All are entitled to a meaningful opportunity to cast their ballot.”

For over 150 years, general elections have been held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November. Currently, Georgia is one of 37 states that allows early voting, but the early voting period is only between the fourth Monday before Election Day and the Friday before Election Day.

The ACLU’s proposal, if adopted, would allow for more weekend hours and weekday evening hours so that busy adults will have time to vote.

You can find the full press release here and the ACLU’s letter to the county boards of election here.

Related Content