A new Republican-backed legislation in Georgia is set to change the rules for voter eligibility challenges and make it easier for third-party or independent presidential candidates to qualify for the ballot. This legislation could impact the upcoming fall elections in Georgia, which is considered a closely watched battleground state. The new rules would allow any political party or body that has obtained ballot access in at least 20 states or territories to qualify for Georgia’s presidential ballot, potentially benefiting candidates like independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy has been working to gather enough signatures to qualify for the presidential ballot in Georgia and has named California tech lawyer Nicole Shanahan as his running mate. With these changes in the rules, third-party and independent candidates would have an easier time getting on the ballot in Georgia, which could impact the outcome of the elections. Some Democrats have raised concerns about Kennedy’s candidacy, fearing that he could act as a spoiler candidate and help Trump in the elections.
Currently, independent or third-party candidates in Georgia must collect at least 7,500 signatures from registered voters to qualify for the ballot. These new changes in the election legislation are being seen as an effort to prevent voter fraud and increase voter confidence. The Georgia legislature, which is controlled by Republicans, approved the measure just before wrapping up its session, and Governor Brian Kemp has 40 days to sign or veto the bill.
One provision in the election legislation would broaden the definition of “probable cause” needed to uphold challenges to voter registrations. This includes evidence that a voter has died, obtained a homestead exemption in a different jurisdiction, or registered at a nonresidential address. This change comes in the wake of widespread false claims of voter fraud in Georgia following the 2020 election, leading to an increase in voter eligibility challenges by individual activists in the state.
Critics, including voting rights groups like the ACLU of Georgia, have objected to several provisions in the legislation, particularly the rules regarding voter challenges. They argue that these changes could lead to voter suppression and infringe on the rights of eligible voters. The ACLU has threatened to sue if Governor Kemp signs the legislation into law. The debate over the new rules reflects the ongoing contentious issue of voting rights in the United States, with Republicans and Democrats taking opposing views on how to ensure fair and secure elections.
