The Future of Our Elections

A recently filed federal lawsuit has charged Georgia’s four most populated counties–Gwinnett, Fulton, Cobb, and Dekalb–with inadequate election preparation. This lawsuit, filed by the ACLU of Georgia, alleges that, in spite of high voter turnout at the last midterm election, these county governments did not provide adequate polling locations, voting equipment, nor staff. Voting rights groups have asked that the counties implement the necessary changes before the 2020 election, but any action depends on the outcome of the case.

The lawsuit in and of itself points toward a bigger issue: the complexity of voter suppression. Nowadays, news headlines seem to solely concentrate on voter purging and forget that there are other, more subtle methods of deterring voters. In fact, Cobb, Dekalb, and Fulton County all reported having very long lines at the polls because there were not enough locations. Gwinnett, on the other hand, has also been dealing with disproportionate amount of absentee ballots being rejected, which Democratic candidates Stacey Abrams and Carolyn Bourdeaux have spoken out on. Elections are officially under state jurisdiction, but ACLU claims that there are definitely operational problems which are “directly traceable” to counties’ poor management.

However, with the bad news comes opportunities for us to all take action to protect and improve our voting systems. Recognizing the various layers of the issue means that there are multiple ways to combat voter suppression. We’re not here to blame the entire election on the secretary of state’s office or argue that it’s all due to touch screen voting machines. No, we’re here to address this problem one step at a time. While many issues have to be dealt with at the state and federal level, Gwinnett County has its part to do as well. Starting with opening up more polling locations, investing in more early voting and weekend voting locations and longer polling hours, having more voting machines if we end up using them, working out cooperative agreements with our cities to conduct municipal elections in the same polling places and at the same times as other county elections, and having more volunteers to provide greater accessibility. As Gwinnett County Commission Chair, I promise to provide greater accessibility for voters to exercise their constitutional right and make their voice count, and I promise our Board of Elections and their staff will be charged with making voting as easy and simple as the law allows, not as difficult and cumbersome as you can possibly interpret a statute.

It is imperative the county governments can adequately handle large-turnout elections so we can ensure we are being accurately represented. Protect your vote by speaking out and contacting your local legislators. As your County Chair, I will carefully listen to your concerns, whether it be a particular precinct you know with unreasonably long lines or people you know whose votes were not counted in the last election. All of your concerns are my concerns. Do not hesitate to voice your opinions, as each and every one is vital to the representation of our community. I understand that this can be a scary situation, because not having your voice heard before any election can certainly put us in a position to not even want to vote. However, I still urge you to go out and vote, and to make your own voices count. And, if that isn’t enough, once elected, I will ensure that I make your voices count towards our future.

Let’s not allow voter suppression to obstruct us from being represented. Instead, let’s build a bridge to Gwinnett’s inclusive and exciting future–one without voter suppression.