GEORGIA — Today, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it has filed a lawsuit against the State of Georgia, the Georgia Secretary of State, and the Georgia State Election Board to strike down racist provisions of a new voting law. The Justice Department argues in its suit that the provisions of the new law, Georgia Senate Bill 202, violate Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Mondale Robinson, Founder of the Black Male Voter Project and Coalition Member of Just Democracy, responded to the announcement:

“There’s no doubt that Republicans in Georgia crafted S.B. 202 with the intention of impeding equal voting rights for Black and Brown Georgians, and it’s imperative that the Justice Department’s suit successfully strikes down the racist provisions of this anti-voting law. The Justice Department’s lawsuit is just the first baton pass of a long relay race toward protecting democracy in Georgia from right-wing attacks. 

To secure equal voting rights and protect American democracy writ large, the Senate must pass the For The People Act, which includes provisions that would counteract the anti-voting portions of S.B. 202. The For The People Act protects Black and Brown people’s access to the ballot, and brings us a crucial step closer to equal voting rights. With more than 300 right-wing, anti-voting bills proposed across the country, the Senate must pass the For The People Act swiftly.”