With a dizzying array of GOP-backed bills that would enact restrictions around the electoral process moving through state legislatures across the country, voting rights remain a critical issue, and during a weekend appearance on Meet the Press, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) laid out the wide-reaching implications. Warnock, who was himself elected just this past January via a groundswell of popular support in the traditionally GOP-leaning Georgia, insisted that protecting voting rights is “foundational” and involves “who we say we are as an American people.”
Discussing the recent mass shooting targeting spas in Atlanta beside the Georgia state legislature’s contrasting focus on legislative measures to restrict voting, Warnock commented as follows:
‘We need reasonable gun reform in our country. This shooter was able to kill all of these folks the same day he purchased a firearm, but right now, what is our legislature doing? They’re busy under the gold dome here in Georgia trying to prevent people from being able to vote the same day they register. I think that suggests a distortion in values, when you can buy a gun and create this much carnage and violence on the same day, but if you want to exercise your right to vote as an American citizen, the same legislature that should be focused on this is busy erecting barriers to that Constitutional right.’
In Georgia, state legislators recently abandoned a push to entirely end no-excuse absentee voting, which allows any registered voter to vote by mail, but they’re sticking to ideas like limiting the usage of ballot drop boxes, which help expand electoral access to those who might find venturing to a polling place difficult.
Georgia Republican legislators have abandoned plans to end no-excuse absentee voting and Sunday early voting, though they will continue trying to limit drop boxes and set earlier limits on absentee requests – https://t.co/USOnSPzvjb
— Reid Wilson (@PoliticsReid) March 19, 2021
Discussing the aftermath of his own historic election as the first Black Senator from Georgia, Warnock added as follows:
‘I think it’s unfortunate that some people have looked at the results and rather than changing their message, they’re busy trying to change the rules. It will not stand, which is why I’m pushing through the For The People Act, which I’m co-sponsoring, which will make it easier, not harder, for people to vote, and it’s the reason why we have to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.’
After the 2020 elections, Republicans across the country freaked out. Many pushed the false idea that the integrity of the system itself was in question.
Warnock pointedly added the following;
‘I think the onus is on my colleagues to explain why they’re not supporting voting rights. Voting rights is not just one issue alongside other issues — it is fundamental. It is foundational. It is who we say we are as an American people.’
Click through on the post below to see his comments:
EXCLUSIVE: Full Warnock #MTP Interview: ‘We all know hate when we see it’ https://t.co/i6VrGEo6Cv pic.twitter.com/1Drrz3WcW1
— Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) March 21, 2021
