Georgia shoved this law through with zero debate and with every intention of choking the life out of the non white vote in Georgia. Kemp is a disgrace for signing. Every Georgia voter who has the wherewithal must to go to the polls with a cooler/knapsack full of bottled water and sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly, and share as needed…
Georgia shoved this law through with zero debate and with every intention of choking the life out of the non white vote in Georgia. Kemp is a disgrace for signing. Every Georgia voter who has the wherewithal must to go to the polls with a cooler/knapsack full of bottled water and sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly, and share as needed. Voters are not a 3rd party, they can't be busted for providing food and water. Voters helping other voters will make sure no one leaves the line and loses their ability to vote because their belly was empty.
I'm here in Georgia, John Lewis was my wonderful Congressman, and I can only imagine how devastated he would be with Kemp and his horrors. But it makes me think back to when GA was going to go along with, one of the southern states, can't remember at the moment, to try and ban abortions. They were trying hard to push it though until some of the big corporations, Coca Cola, Home Depot, UPS all put pressure and they backed down. There was another one .. sorry I'm really tired, where it was the Delta Flight attendents got their union to back them and refused to fly(safety concern) and again Kemp back down. GA politicians are so bought and paid for and in debt to these corporations, that is where his vunerability is. Atlanta is very proud of their big corporations and their reputation and those corporations know the power of the people. I think that is the way to go. It hurts their business and their worldwide reputation to be seen supporting such anti-democratic decisions and such blatent racism. As for the water for those in line- makes me think they took the idea when ICE would arrest people for giving water to dehydrated weak refugees- they are going with that look. That will not fly with corporations either.
Corporations definitely have a role to play in preserving democracy. Some short-sighted CEOs will hop aboard the GQP autocracy train. Yet I believe that many will see, or can be made to see, that only a free society can be a consumer society where businesses have enough customers. But they have to be constantly pressured. Remember after Jan 6 when many corps backed off from funding GQP candidates? (More $$$ goes to PACs anyway.) Well, anyone know right now if they've stood strong since then?
These are dangerous days. Still, an aroused populace, a Democratic majority and a critical mass of corporate clout looks pretty potent as a bulwark of democracy. We shall see.
As a 40 year former Republican I say good riddance, they have become worse than useless. I watched our president’s press conference yesterday and I’m convinced that he’s a good one!
The comparison speeches of Biden and T***P on Brian Williams looked more like a SNL skit. What a mockery the reps have tried to make of our democracy and the country. What the hell is driving them to be such blatant anti-American fools? Tar pits, I say.
Good points for a tired gal. Georgians have to fight like hell. Loud voices in front of corporate offices and calls to the companies. John Lewis is our light through this long, continuous battle.
Bingo. Imagine ten million people calling and threaten to boycott those GA based brands u mention. Those republicans will wither under corporate pressure
"The staff at Randstad USA...is 54.1% female and 39.0% ethnic minorities...It has an unusually high proportion of employees who are members of the Democratic Party, at 77.0%."
"The company is 23.6% female and 41.1% ethnic minorities...with 54.0% of employees identifying as members of the Democratic Party."
Contact: ?
Cox Media Group
55,000 employees
"The company is 48.6% female and 41.3% ethnic minorities...It has an unusually high proportion of employees who are members of the Democratic Party, at 70.0%."
Contact: ?
Cox Enterprises
55,000 employees
"The company is 40.4% female and 41.2% ethnic minorities...with 54.0% of employees identifying as members of the Democratic Party."
"The company is 30.4% female and 39.3% ethnic minorities...It has an unusually high proportion of employees who are members of the Republican Party, at 77.0%."
I just called the corporate office of Randstad in GA and spoke with a nice woman who didn’t know about this law. She asked where I got my information and I mentioned HCR’s Facebook page which she said she would check out. She said she would pass on my concern and request to the administrative office. She was alarmed that this law was passed without any information about it.. I.e., she had t heard anything about it. It felt really encouraging to speak with her, as she was interested and wanted to know more. So call, call, call! And mention HCR’s Facebook or subscription site and wake folks up.
I called Home Depot. The number on the website is not as good as the following one: 1-800-466-3337, option 7, then option 5. I then reached a customer service representative who took my message - taking the trouble to ask questions and understand it - and passed it along. If anyone can figure out how to contact the brass directly, that would be a good idea as well.
Thanks Gina for providing this info. I just e-mailed all four the following message:
"Dear Ms. Tome,
I am writing to let you know that neither myself nor any member of our immediate family will be using UPS as long as they are supporting the Republican Party. The voter law that was just passed in Georgia by the Republicans is nothing short of denying Americans their coveted right to vote. This is a democracy killing move and I certainly hope UPS will reconsider their support of such an anti-democratic party. We will use Fedex and the United States Post Office to ship things unless UPS changes their stance."
I encourage everyone to send a similar e-mail to these companies.
Thank you Heather, and thank you Ellie, Georgia SHAME should be a wake up call to filibuster reform before we all find we are locked out of our precious democracy process.
I hope you don't mind, but I copied and pasted this to my FB page to reach more people. I did remove any info that would tie it back to you. Thanks for the info
When you call, write, etc. complain about the bill/law, be very specific about the section you're against. If you read the bill, you may be surprised at what's in it that isn't blanket voter suppression, but clarity on election operations.
For example, the bill removes the Secretary of State as the Chair of the States Election Board which is established before each election. The Secretary of State is an ex officio member, but non voting. The chair must be nonpartisan and there's criteria for that position. Why this is important, it is this Board that determines if an elections supervisor is to be removed.
Interestingly, Georgia's 6th District Legislator, Rep. Lucy McBath (D) has introduced into the US House HR 1274 - Election Official Integrity Act which prohibits an elected Senior Elections Officer, i.e. Secretary of State, can interfere with the results and outcomes of a Federal Election.
Also, the Bill requires the Attorney General to establish a hotline to report voter fraud during election season.
It addresses people standing in line for hours and requirements to rectify that.
And Section 33 focuses on the water and food spin thrown around.
In short, help the corporations focus on an issue and not the whole bill. It's a lot easier to correct that way.
This is from a FB post, but may find this helpful on some of the worst parts of the bill; SEB can challenge any votes they don't like - such as small Democratic Black communities, No weekend voting for Run offs.
This photo will be their legacy- 7 white males, in front of a portrait of a plantation in South Georgia, taking us back to Jim Crow South politics, behind closed doors, shortly after the bill passed both chambers, breaking with convention of having their legal team review the bill before signing, and with having a public signing of the bill.
This is not hyperbole! This is real. They just signed a 95 page bill that lets them take over the State Election Board and let’s the SEB take over county election boards they don’t like; limits absentee voting and drop boxes; allows any voter to challenge the registration or ballot of an unlimited amount of voters during an election; criminalizes being a good neighbor and giving someone a snack in a long line; creates legal hurdles for nonprofits to register and engage eligible voters; essentially eliminates the ability for most people to vote in runoffs (no weekend voting) and much more. This bill will cost counties and cities untold amounts of money to implement, and has set many counties up for failure with unrealistic timelines and requirements (see above about being able to takeover counties they don’t like).
What’s next- we sue for things that are unconstitutional and we mobilize for the next election! See, what they fail to realize is they have only shown people just how powerful their vote is. In 2020 people showed up and did not leave, and we will do that again. They have exposed their intentions, showed their hand, and now we will resiliently, strategically, and courageously put it all on the table to show them they did NOT WIN!!
Let this moment and this image be your fuel. Let’s practice during municipal elections of 2021, so we can work out the kinks and figure out what we need to do. Let’s overwhelm them in the 2022 primaries, pushing the system to the brink, so we know what the system can and cannot handle. And in the 2022 General Election, let’s elect a NEW Governor, flip state chambers, and keep Raphael Warnock in place to fight for us in Washington!
Margaret, I would like this comment of yours to be our flag as long as voter supremacy lasts. Your determination and clarity represent us. Thank you for carrying the banner of freedom.
Oh My ! I was thinking just the other day about how I should not post here. Everyone is highly educated and informed that I should just read. So I'm very flattered. My family moved to Atlanta when I was 2 and have seen it change so much, not in a good way. I loved John Lewis, I love the Carters and had so much hope for Atlanta. Well, I still do, look at our new Senators and all Stacy Abrams has done. But the Kemps and Perdu's are so prevelant , it is easy to get discouraged. But what they did yesterday just did it for me and arresting and elected official, basically because she found out what they were doing in that secret locked room. They knew they were doing something bad and they did it anyway.
There's no standards committee barring people from posting their thoughts. All you need is 5 bucks and some internet. I love your comment, your passion is inspiring!
Margaret, Your comment touched me to the core. How often do people at the foundation of conscience and justice been discouraged from coming forward? Thank goodness you have supported us all.
Margaret, I agree your comment is immensely valuable. How many of us have actually read this new Georgia bill yet to be able to identify its provisions, beyond the infamous felony for giving water to a voter standing in line.
Being a long time resident of Georgia gives you the superpower of authenticity. Thank you for posting!
While I was in the middle of work, I heard a lawyer with the the above organization clearly define problems with the Georgia's voting bill, which can not be elucidated by simply reading the bill. My suggestion was for you to speak with a lawyer in the organization to get their take on why the bill makes organization for getting voters to the polls more difficult as well as claiming that the bill makes it easy to overrule/dismiss local election officials, thus creating an opening for republicans in the state to control the election results in local districts. As a seemingly impartial and knowledgeable subscriber, I thought that you may best be able to provide unbiased clarity on this issue.
FOLKS, LARRY'S COMMENT ABOVE IS CRUCIAL IN RECOGNIZING THE DANGER TO VOTING RIGHTS THAT GEOGIA'S BILL REPRESENTS.
The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights has been clear about the confusion liable to happen as a result of this bill, thus making it easy for the board to dismiss local election officials providing opportunities to tamper with election results. A link to The Lawyers' Committee is below for a clearer understanding of the crucial 'small print' within Georgia's voting bill.
Larry, Would it be possible for you to elucidate this aspect of the bill? The link is below.
There appears to be doubt that voters' lines will actually be addressed. More to the point, portions of this bill seem aimed at making it more difficult for support groups to help get voters to the polls, comfort them on the lines, etc., with the aim to disrupt volunteer organizations enabling older people, workers and minorities get to the polls.
I didn't see the Lawyer's comments on how dismissing election officials provides opportunities to tamper with election results.
I read the Gwinnett County lawsuit, which is interesting given Gwinnett County is Democrat. I'll have to look up the judge's decision.
when I looked at the bill, I didn't see anything that would stop people/parties/organizations from helping get the vote out, meaning taking them to the polls, etc. It happens in every state so I doubt Georgia would not allow it.
Comforting voters while in line is problematic in the way the language is written. As I stated to TPJ below, this has to do with electioneering/campaigning within a certain distance of a voting location. As far as I know, no state allows it. And its here that the water issue is addressed both in stating that people can't receive while in line. But, there is an obligation by the election official to provide an unattended table with water for voters while in line. The question is where does the line begin? Is it outside the 150 foot spot from where campaigning can not take place, or a mile and a half back. But, they also addressed that issue as well.
So the devil is down in Georgia, for sure, but he's hanging out with the fiddle player. Johnny. So what are we to do? Delta Airlines is providing a huge vaccination site for free:
Did Delta advocate for the Governor of Georgia's latest voter suppression law? do we "cancel" Delta because its corporate affiliation is with a party we do not like? I am asking because I really don't know.
Same thing with UPS. While I habitually use "Save the USPS" for sending my packages, I love UPS because, unlike their competitor, they leave my packages on my covered porch:
The answer is not to boycott these companies, but to lobby them. Ask THEM to put pressure on the Georgia legislature and Governor. Ask them to stand with their customers and enjoy loyalty and superb press nationally as a result.
Sadly, TPJ, I only do business with less than a handful of these corporations! But I contacted all so far that I do except AT&T. I'm on the cusp about threatening to cancel my cell phone service with them but I don't know yet where I'd go!
For some companies a strong lobbying movement will work. For other companies, i.e. Nestlé, even though they are not on this list only boycotting made them change their ways. It is indeed a hard choice.
Thank you Ellie. If the law has already been passed, can pressure on these companies make a difference at this point? I am more than happy to call and write them and any where else that will make a difference. I’m just wondering what can be done after this despicable law has been passed.
The law can be repealed. That is what happened when North Carolina passed one of those stupid bathroom bills. Businesses including sports franchises threatened to leave. The bill was repealed.
If the Atlanta Braves (MLB), the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) and Atlanta United (MLS) threated to pull up stakes and move, watch how fast repeal will come. And until that happens, it wouldn't hurt if visiting teams in all of these leagues refused to play in Georgia either.
Of course, I also suggested to the Braves that they immediately move their 2021 home schedule to San Juan and whomever got the message said they would pass it to management. (Too many of these team sites lack an email address.) Also wrote a letter to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Yes, to make your voice heard about how bad the voting bill just passed and enacted by the governor - disappointed in state reps not supporting the people of Georgia just their own personal power and to spread the word for support of FOR THE PEOPLE ACT 2021
Add in social media campaigns. As I recall youth when learning that some of their clothes were being made by women in Bangladesh under horrible conditions, they stopped buying the product. The company changed.
We hand out cokes and Dasani water or Pepsi and their water brand? Hmmmm? What’s it gonna be? U know what, we get coke to donate Dasani water bottles. They pay for it.
You hit them in their $$ bottom line. Boycott them, boycott the state. Let them know. Write letters, make phone calls. Here are the 10 Georgia-based companies with the largest employees, followed by a link to the 100 top Georgian companies.
I will let our local Home Depot and UPS know that I am not going to buy from them until this illegal, racist, voter rights and voter warfare across our country are halted immediately. We have this power, use it.
You bring us hope, Margaret. I would add that I think John Lewis would not be deterred by this not-so-new effort to depress the vote; that Stacey Abrams is "on it." I have faith that the voters in Georgia will find a way. I myself will shine a light where I can!
No, I did not mean to imply that. I think he would feel betrayed and hurt by seeing his progress being wiped out by white men behind closed doors. Of course, he would always be up for a fight for what is right! Always!
"GA politicians are so bought and paid for and in debt to these corporations..." If you think that only the Republicans are indebted to corporations, I can assure you that buying political outcomes is a non-partisan practice across both parties at the national, state, and local levels. I'm not suggesting that we not lobby them hard in GA, but let's not let the Dems off the hook. They too rely on huge corporate funding. It's one reason HR1/SB1 is an important start to cleaning up our democracy.
I have secured the email address of the 6th District AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia. It is run by Bishop Reginald Jackson. If you are willing, leave me a reply off this post just stating your name and state. I will forward on to the Bishop as a petition in support of the church who is opposing the S202 Bill.
MaryPat, Has a NATIONAL BOYOTT been called? Which is the umbrella organization that called. Asking because I need to back up who has called it and contact info. Thanks.
Georgia Chamber of Commerce weighs in in support of Activists. Several businesses are referred to in this WaPo article as being in alignment with Chamber of Commerce:
Thanks, MaryPat for replying. I don't use Facebook, so will not pursue this link. If anyone has more info on a BOYCOTT, please comment and post me. Thank you.
This is exactly what we want to join. While I would do it, your are the finder, and I whiz, in my opinion, so I suggest you make it an urgent comment now.
I found Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson of the 6th District AME in Atlanta. He can be emailed. What do you want to say? It would be great if a whole group of us could band together instead of individually show support.
Lynell, I completely agree with your thoughts. I must go out now for a couple of hours. If you would like to do it, you may email or call indicating that you are a member of a group of subscribers to the newsletter of a writer - Professor of American History. A number of subscribers would like know if and how we could support his organization with reference to the Boycott. What does he recommend. That is my thought. I will be back by 6:30 EST. If you go ahead with this, just post if you have any news and about anything I can do. Thank you!
okay. In the meantime, I have posted on this page my (our) desire to reach out to the bishop and for them to reply to my post with their name and state to append to our email.
okay. In the meantime, I have posted on this page my (our) desire to reach out to the bishop and for them to reply to my post with their name and state to append to our email.
Also the Film Industry carries a great deal of weight here, the money they bring to the city is tremendous, not to mention the bragging rights, of Hollywood South.
However the Republican legislators can throw out the vote and make their own decision. Voters can vote but no guarantees their votes will count. Disgraceful and very unsettling
Do The People of America have rights to vote that cannot be taken away? I am so fricking confused by our country all the time. Thank you repubs for showing us how your evility finds every loophole possible to destroy us. Who needs enemies?
Yeah.... I can smell Kemp’s stinch from ten states away. Wat a skunk! I imagine the optics: SNL skit police arresting Adam Sandler as the waterboy, go ahead and try to enforce...the pushback is going to be something to behold.
I'm already imagining all the creative ways Dems will find workarounds for some of the more ridiculous parts of this law, like being prohibited from giving food and water to people waiting in line to vote. Busloads of us from other states showing up to stand alongside the line and invite voters to take one giant step out of line to receive a sandwich or bottle of water. In what jails would they put all of us? The photo ops that will shoot across the globe, making Georgia gop look every bit as small-minded and racist as they are in their little tiny hearts. I can't stay up to watch but I bet late night is having a blast with this.
This element is spin to incite people. Read the bill, Section 33. The provision of food and water is part of the section about solicitation of votes while in line at a polling place. Water is to be provided at an unattended table. May not like it, but its part of keeping the appearance of non interference with a person's voting. Also, it is very specific as to where one can not provide such items.
Also, the bill addresses the long lines which doesn't get reported. Local election officials are required to provide enough voting equipment at a precinct to ensure no voter stands in line more than an hour. If they can't do that, they're to create a new precinct.
As a final comment, there are some serious issues in the bill regarding absentee voting. That's the real argument, not the provision of water.
With less absentee and early voting, more time will be spent in voting lines. That's why the bans on water and food matter. The strategy is to torture prospective voters until they abandon the effort. No picking and choosing which provisions are benign or unimportant. It's all of a piece.
I wish legislation was that simple. My experience in doing it suggests otherwise. There is the philosophy/practicability of severability. Besides if that was the case, the Affordable Care Act would have been ruled unconstitutional/invalid when selected portions were brought before the courts. As I recall, this was one of the issues facing the Supreme Court when Barrett was being confirmed.
Section 33 deals with campaigning at polling stations. It prohibits solicitation of votes, payment of monies to people standing in line to vote, etc. The legislature added to that element of not approaching people standing line to vote and giving them water and food. This is about a perception that people approached voters in line, offered them water and food in exchange for their vote. If it happened doesn't matter because there's the perception of giving something for a vote. The language regarding where this cannot occur is defined by three elements:
- within 150 feet of the building where voting occurs
- to a voter standing in line waiting to vote (I'll come back to this)
- inside the voting place.
Makes sense in that I doubt Massachusetts allows campaigning within a distance of the a voting location. It's supposed to be a neutral zone.
What's problematic is the definition of where the voting line starts. This language is part of the original law. I could be standing in line to enter the voting line. And the legislation defines to some degree where someone could try to influence a voter that is out of sight of the voting location, out of hearing distance of the voting location, etc. Given the bad publicity Georgia got in the last election about the long lines, the bill provides for election officials to provide an unattended table with water that a voter can pick up while they wait in line. So seeking clarification would help in this matter.
If you're a poll worker and you see someone passing out water and food or whatever where the law stated earlier that no one could campaign, how do you know the person, who is not an election official, is not influencing the vote, intimidating the voter, etc. Thus the language of the bill.
"how do you know the person, who is not an election official, is not influencing the vote, intimidating the voter, etc."
Yes, MA has similar laws, but also citizens, officials, and police who know how to act on Election Day, so they're rarely enforced. Not so in GA.
Of course the bill isn't simple; it is abstract. Some progressive MIGHT try to influence voters in line, though we know it's mostly Repugs who mess with in-person voting. But its intent and, even more, its effect is clear: to do exactly what it claims to prevent, intimidate and influence.
If replying, please skip the mini-treatise and show that you care if Georgia's votes are cast and counted.
You make a good point. The lines stretched miles- so they will have enough tables and water that is actually accessible? or is it actually "an unaccompanied table"
If the lines get too long, they will create a new precinct? If this is needed in early voting I can see that being possible but it will take at least a day to set up the new precinct. I can't recall any time they were able to do quickly do this. If it happens ON voting day.... They would have to get more machines, which then have to be tested as so far they Never test ahead of time. They are counting on those long lines being in certain districts and they just won't be able to set it up in time....that is crazy!
Georgia shoved this law through with zero debate and with every intention of choking the life out of the non white vote in Georgia. Kemp is a disgrace for signing. Every Georgia voter who has the wherewithal must to go to the polls with a cooler/knapsack full of bottled water and sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly, and share as needed. Voters are not a 3rd party, they can't be busted for providing food and water. Voters helping other voters will make sure no one leaves the line and loses their ability to vote because their belly was empty.
I'm here in Georgia, John Lewis was my wonderful Congressman, and I can only imagine how devastated he would be with Kemp and his horrors. But it makes me think back to when GA was going to go along with, one of the southern states, can't remember at the moment, to try and ban abortions. They were trying hard to push it though until some of the big corporations, Coca Cola, Home Depot, UPS all put pressure and they backed down. There was another one .. sorry I'm really tired, where it was the Delta Flight attendents got their union to back them and refused to fly(safety concern) and again Kemp back down. GA politicians are so bought and paid for and in debt to these corporations, that is where his vunerability is. Atlanta is very proud of their big corporations and their reputation and those corporations know the power of the people. I think that is the way to go. It hurts their business and their worldwide reputation to be seen supporting such anti-democratic decisions and such blatent racism. As for the water for those in line- makes me think they took the idea when ICE would arrest people for giving water to dehydrated weak refugees- they are going with that look. That will not fly with corporations either.
Corporations definitely have a role to play in preserving democracy. Some short-sighted CEOs will hop aboard the GQP autocracy train. Yet I believe that many will see, or can be made to see, that only a free society can be a consumer society where businesses have enough customers. But they have to be constantly pressured. Remember after Jan 6 when many corps backed off from funding GQP candidates? (More $$$ goes to PACs anyway.) Well, anyone know right now if they've stood strong since then?
These are dangerous days. Still, an aroused populace, a Democratic majority and a critical mass of corporate clout looks pretty potent as a bulwark of democracy. We shall see.
No assumptions. Be a VOICE be a PEST and rally your friends to FOR THE PEOPLE ACT..
Judd Legum has good threads on corporate backers of these voter suppression bills by supporting the sponsors:
httpss://mobile.twitter.com/JuddLegum/status/1375230249957490695
Stopping donations to republicans after the Jan 6 insurrection was a temporary thing. Most of them are back.
Corporate donors to sponsors of voting restrictions:
https://twitter.com/JuddLegum/status/1375232588818886660?s=20
Morning, Ellie!! Scrolling down to your other post, I see how to find where companies are donating. Thanks!
The Lincoln Project is shining light on this as well.
Predictable but sad
They wouldn’t be doing all of this if they weren’t panicked about their own demise as a party.
As a 40 year former Republican I say good riddance, they have become worse than useless. I watched our president’s press conference yesterday and I’m convinced that he’s a good one!
The comparison speeches of Biden and T***P on Brian Williams looked more like a SNL skit. What a mockery the reps have tried to make of our democracy and the country. What the hell is driving them to be such blatant anti-American fools? Tar pits, I say.
Desperation
No tar pits. RIP Sabre tooth tigers and woolly mammoths!
The GQP majority are giant sloths, which also met a sticky end.
I have a feeling the Republican party is in early stages of its death throes. Probably going to be quite a ride.
I can envision a rally where the former guy screams Only I Can Vote! And Giv Kemp applauds
If so, they're hoping it's a murder/suicide.
No, it was short lived.
Good points for a tired gal. Georgians have to fight like hell. Loud voices in front of corporate offices and calls to the companies. John Lewis is our light through this long, continuous battle.
Bingo. Imagine ten million people calling and threaten to boycott those GA based brands u mention. Those republicans will wither under corporate pressure
So how do we effectively lobby corporations?
telephone calls, letters, sit-ins directed to top executives and press department as well as the local press
Fire up your devices, warm up your typing fingers...
Top 10 largest companies in Georgia:
The Home Depot
400,000 employees
"The company is 38.5% female and 41.0% ethnic minorities...with 52.2% Democrats and 47.2% Republicans."
https://corporate.homedepot.com/
United Parcel Service
335,520 employees
"The company is 27.0% female and 37.5% ethnic minorities...with 52.0% of employees identifying as members of the Republican Party."
http://www.investors.ups.com/
Randstad USA
125,000 employees
"The staff at Randstad USA...is 54.1% female and 39.0% ethnic minorities...It has an unusually high proportion of employees who are members of the Democratic Party, at 77.0%."
https://www.randstadusa.com/about/leadership/
Delta Air Lines
86,564 employees
"The company is 45.3% female and 41.0% ethnic minorities...with 52.0% of employees identifying as members of the Republican Party."
https://news.delta.com/tags/delta-leadership-committee
Arby’s
74,000 employees
"The company is 57.1% female and 32.2% ethnic minorities...with 56.0% of employees identifying as members of the Democratic Party."
https://press.arbys.com/
The Coca-Cola Company
62,600 employees
"The company is 23.6% female and 41.1% ethnic minorities...with 54.0% of employees identifying as members of the Democratic Party."
https://www.coca-colacompany.com/company/leadership
Hansen Beverage
"The company is 23.6% female and 41.1% ethnic minorities...with 54.0% of employees identifying as members of the Democratic Party."
Contact: ?
Cox Media Group
55,000 employees
"The company is 48.6% female and 41.3% ethnic minorities...It has an unusually high proportion of employees who are members of the Democratic Party, at 70.0%."
Contact: ?
Cox Enterprises
55,000 employees
"The company is 40.4% female and 41.2% ethnic minorities...with 54.0% of employees identifying as members of the Democratic Party."
https://coxenterprises.com/corporate-responsibility
Genuine Parts Company
48,001 employees
"The company is 30.4% female and 39.3% ethnic minorities...It has an unusually high proportion of employees who are members of the Republican Party, at 77.0%."
https://www.genpt.com/contact.html
https://www.zippia.com/advice/largest-companies-in-georgia/
I just called the corporate office of Randstad in GA and spoke with a nice woman who didn’t know about this law. She asked where I got my information and I mentioned HCR’s Facebook page which she said she would check out. She said she would pass on my concern and request to the administrative office. She was alarmed that this law was passed without any information about it.. I.e., she had t heard anything about it. It felt really encouraging to speak with her, as she was interested and wanted to know more. So call, call, call! And mention HCR’s Facebook or subscription site and wake folks up.
HCR with 1.4 million followers!
By now it's all over the national news. Mention media they've heard of.
Excellent!
I called Home Depot. The number on the website is not as good as the following one: 1-800-466-3337, option 7, then option 5. I then reached a customer service representative who took my message - taking the trouble to ask questions and understand it - and passed it along. If anyone can figure out how to contact the brass directly, that would be a good idea as well.
Four ceo email addresses:
Craig_Menear@homedepot.com
ctome@ups.com (Carol Tome)
edward.bastian@delta.com
jquincey@coca-cola.com (James Quncey)
Thanks Gina for providing this info. I just e-mailed all four the following message:
"Dear Ms. Tome,
I am writing to let you know that neither myself nor any member of our immediate family will be using UPS as long as they are supporting the Republican Party. The voter law that was just passed in Georgia by the Republicans is nothing short of denying Americans their coveted right to vote. This is a democracy killing move and I certainly hope UPS will reconsider their support of such an anti-democratic party. We will use Fedex and the United States Post Office to ship things unless UPS changes their stance."
I encourage everyone to send a similar e-mail to these companies.
Thanks for doing this, Julie!
You're welcome! We must speak out!
Great letter to UPS, Julie--short, NOT sweet, and to the point! With no loaded language, just straightforward.
Thanks, Gina!
Correction: ed.bastien@coca-cola.com
Done. Thanks Joan and Pamsy!
Thank you! Am calling them right now!
Twitter.
Thank you Heather, and thank you Ellie, Georgia SHAME should be a wake up call to filibuster reform before we all find we are locked out of our precious democracy process.
Here’s what I found for Home Depot. I’ll look up others in this list and post as I find them.
The Home Depot, Inc. Headquarters Contacts.
Corporate office address, contact information and phone numbers for the The Home Depot, Inc. Headquarters.
Write a review or read complaints from other customers.
The Home Depot, Inc. Headquarters Phone Number and Contacts.
Company Website
http://www.homedepot.com
Related
Home Depot
Corporate Address
2455 Paces Ferry Rd. Nw
Atlanta, GA
30339
Company Contact
Craig Menear
Position
Chairman and CEO
Phone Number
(770) 433-8211
Fax Number
(770) 384-2356
Employee Count
331,000
Twitter IDs
@HomeDepot
Home Depot Email Info – Hoem Depot CEO Email address.
Mr Craig Menear CEO
Home Depot Ceo Email Address Craig_Menear@homedepot.com
Home Depot Corporate Office Phone Number 770-433-8211
Personal Twitter twitter.com/HomeDepot
What is Home Depot’s Corporate Office Phone Number?
Home Depot’s Headquarters phone number is: 1-770-433-8211.
https://www.coca-colacompany.com/company/leadership/james-quincey
I hope you don't mind, but I copied and pasted this to my FB page to reach more people. I did remove any info that would tie it back to you. Thanks for the info
When you call, write, etc. complain about the bill/law, be very specific about the section you're against. If you read the bill, you may be surprised at what's in it that isn't blanket voter suppression, but clarity on election operations.
For example, the bill removes the Secretary of State as the Chair of the States Election Board which is established before each election. The Secretary of State is an ex officio member, but non voting. The chair must be nonpartisan and there's criteria for that position. Why this is important, it is this Board that determines if an elections supervisor is to be removed.
Interestingly, Georgia's 6th District Legislator, Rep. Lucy McBath (D) has introduced into the US House HR 1274 - Election Official Integrity Act which prohibits an elected Senior Elections Officer, i.e. Secretary of State, can interfere with the results and outcomes of a Federal Election.
Also, the Bill requires the Attorney General to establish a hotline to report voter fraud during election season.
It addresses people standing in line for hours and requirements to rectify that.
And Section 33 focuses on the water and food spin thrown around.
In short, help the corporations focus on an issue and not the whole bill. It's a lot easier to correct that way.
This is from a FB post, but may find this helpful on some of the worst parts of the bill; SEB can challenge any votes they don't like - such as small Democratic Black communities, No weekend voting for Run offs.
This photo will be their legacy- 7 white males, in front of a portrait of a plantation in South Georgia, taking us back to Jim Crow South politics, behind closed doors, shortly after the bill passed both chambers, breaking with convention of having their legal team review the bill before signing, and with having a public signing of the bill.
This is not hyperbole! This is real. They just signed a 95 page bill that lets them take over the State Election Board and let’s the SEB take over county election boards they don’t like; limits absentee voting and drop boxes; allows any voter to challenge the registration or ballot of an unlimited amount of voters during an election; criminalizes being a good neighbor and giving someone a snack in a long line; creates legal hurdles for nonprofits to register and engage eligible voters; essentially eliminates the ability for most people to vote in runoffs (no weekend voting) and much more. This bill will cost counties and cities untold amounts of money to implement, and has set many counties up for failure with unrealistic timelines and requirements (see above about being able to takeover counties they don’t like).
What’s next- we sue for things that are unconstitutional and we mobilize for the next election! See, what they fail to realize is they have only shown people just how powerful their vote is. In 2020 people showed up and did not leave, and we will do that again. They have exposed their intentions, showed their hand, and now we will resiliently, strategically, and courageously put it all on the table to show them they did NOT WIN!!
Let this moment and this image be your fuel. Let’s practice during municipal elections of 2021, so we can work out the kinks and figure out what we need to do. Let’s overwhelm them in the 2022 primaries, pushing the system to the brink, so we know what the system can and cannot handle. And in the 2022 General Election, let’s elect a NEW Governor, flip state chambers, and keep Raphael Warnock in place to fight for us in Washington!
Margaret, I would like this comment of yours to be our flag as long as voter supremacy lasts. Your determination and clarity represent us. Thank you for carrying the banner of freedom.
Oh My ! I was thinking just the other day about how I should not post here. Everyone is highly educated and informed that I should just read. So I'm very flattered. My family moved to Atlanta when I was 2 and have seen it change so much, not in a good way. I loved John Lewis, I love the Carters and had so much hope for Atlanta. Well, I still do, look at our new Senators and all Stacy Abrams has done. But the Kemps and Perdu's are so prevelant , it is easy to get discouraged. But what they did yesterday just did it for me and arresting and elected official, basically because she found out what they were doing in that secret locked room. They knew they were doing something bad and they did it anyway.
There's no standards committee barring people from posting their thoughts. All you need is 5 bucks and some internet. I love your comment, your passion is inspiring!
Margaret, Your comment touched me to the core. How often do people at the foundation of conscience and justice been discouraged from coming forward? Thank goodness you have supported us all.
Margaret, I agree your comment is immensely valuable. How many of us have actually read this new Georgia bill yet to be able to identify its provisions, beyond the infamous felony for giving water to a voter standing in line.
Being a long time resident of Georgia gives you the superpower of authenticity. Thank you for posting!
Lots of key points here.
Larry, Sorry for my lack of clarity re:
https://lawyerscommittee.org/project/voting-rights-project/
While I was in the middle of work, I heard a lawyer with the the above organization clearly define problems with the Georgia's voting bill, which can not be elucidated by simply reading the bill. My suggestion was for you to speak with a lawyer in the organization to get their take on why the bill makes organization for getting voters to the polls more difficult as well as claiming that the bill makes it easy to overrule/dismiss local election officials, thus creating an opening for republicans in the state to control the election results in local districts. As a seemingly impartial and knowledgeable subscriber, I thought that you may best be able to provide unbiased clarity on this issue.
FOLKS, LARRY'S COMMENT ABOVE IS CRUCIAL IN RECOGNIZING THE DANGER TO VOTING RIGHTS THAT GEOGIA'S BILL REPRESENTS.
The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights has been clear about the confusion liable to happen as a result of this bill, thus making it easy for the board to dismiss local election officials providing opportunities to tamper with election results. A link to The Lawyers' Committee is below for a clearer understanding of the crucial 'small print' within Georgia's voting bill.
Larry, Would it be possible for you to elucidate this aspect of the bill? The link is below.
There appears to be doubt that voters' lines will actually be addressed. More to the point, portions of this bill seem aimed at making it more difficult for support groups to help get voters to the polls, comfort them on the lines, etc., with the aim to disrupt volunteer organizations enabling older people, workers and minorities get to the polls.
https://lawyerscommittee.org/project/voting-rights-project/
Fern,
I didn't see the Lawyer's comments on how dismissing election officials provides opportunities to tamper with election results.
I read the Gwinnett County lawsuit, which is interesting given Gwinnett County is Democrat. I'll have to look up the judge's decision.
when I looked at the bill, I didn't see anything that would stop people/parties/organizations from helping get the vote out, meaning taking them to the polls, etc. It happens in every state so I doubt Georgia would not allow it.
Comforting voters while in line is problematic in the way the language is written. As I stated to TPJ below, this has to do with electioneering/campaigning within a certain distance of a voting location. As far as I know, no state allows it. And its here that the water issue is addressed both in stating that people can't receive while in line. But, there is an obligation by the election official to provide an unattended table with water for voters while in line. The question is where does the line begin? Is it outside the 150 foot spot from where campaigning can not take place, or a mile and a half back. But, they also addressed that issue as well.
Thumbs up for your organization, Ellie! Thanks.
Thank you for this info!
Thank you for this information. I also shared it on my FB page. My activist friends and I will make good use of it!
So the devil is down in Georgia, for sure, but he's hanging out with the fiddle player. Johnny. So what are we to do? Delta Airlines is providing a huge vaccination site for free:
https://www.cbsnews.com/video/delta-airlines-georgia-partner-to-create-free-covid-vaccination-sites-at-atlanta-airport/
And way back in December, Delta also used their passenger jets to get vaccines across the country: https://www.newstribune.com/news/business/story/2020/dec/06/delta-prepares-for-covid-19-vaccine-shipments/851603/
Did Delta advocate for the Governor of Georgia's latest voter suppression law? do we "cancel" Delta because its corporate affiliation is with a party we do not like? I am asking because I really don't know.
Same thing with UPS. While I habitually use "Save the USPS" for sending my packages, I love UPS because, unlike their competitor, they leave my packages on my covered porch:
Delivery of vaccines in December 2020: https://www.npr.org/2020/12/13/946101104/ups-executive-vaccine-shipments-will-reach-distribution-centers-monday-morning
Home Depot and Habitat for Humanity:
https://latfusa.com/article/2021/3/home-depot-partners-with-habitat-for-humanity/
Can you see my dilemma?
The answer is not to boycott these companies, but to lobby them. Ask THEM to put pressure on the Georgia legislature and Governor. Ask them to stand with their customers and enjoy loyalty and superb press nationally as a result.
Thanks, Nancy. Someone said to boycott. I can lobby, for sure!
Threatening to boycott is effective lobbying.
Sadly, TPJ, I only do business with less than a handful of these corporations! But I contacted all so far that I do except AT&T. I'm on the cusp about threatening to cancel my cell phone service with them but I don't know yet where I'd go!
They do not know if you use them.
I agree!
For some companies a strong lobbying movement will work. For other companies, i.e. Nestlé, even though they are not on this list only boycotting made them change their ways. It is indeed a hard choice.
Thanks, Pamela!
Here's proof, however, that all hell's broke loose down in Georgia and the devil found a soul to steal:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=the+devil+came+down+to+georgia&docid=608003133933246866&mid=654C26FC20842EC5E860654C26FC20842EC5E860&view=detail&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3ddevil%2bwent%2bdown%2bto%2bgeorgia%2blyrics%26form%3dANNTH1%26refig%3dda14bcff5ffa42a09c679a690b39dcad%26sp%3d2%26qs%3dLS%26pq%3ddevil%2bwent%2bdown%2b%26sk%3dPRES1LS1%26sc%3d8-16%26cvid%3dda14bcff5ffa42a09c679a690b39dcad
Hot damn! All devils going to Georgia should be blazing fiddlers!
THANK YOU!!! Wooo! I needed this!!
Glad it helped, MaryPat!
Thanks for pointing this out. Everything is a two-edged sword isn’t it.
Thank you Ellie. If the law has already been passed, can pressure on these companies make a difference at this point? I am more than happy to call and write them and any where else that will make a difference. I’m just wondering what can be done after this despicable law has been passed.
The law can be repealed. That is what happened when North Carolina passed one of those stupid bathroom bills. Businesses including sports franchises threatened to leave. The bill was repealed.
If the Atlanta Braves (MLB), the Atlanta Falcons (NFL), the Atlanta Hawks (NBA), the Atlanta Dream (WNBA) and Atlanta United (MLS) threated to pull up stakes and move, watch how fast repeal will come. And until that happens, it wouldn't hurt if visiting teams in all of these leagues refused to play in Georgia either.
Excellent! May I copy and post?! Lots of sport fans on my fb list.
Of course, I also suggested to the Braves that they immediately move their 2021 home schedule to San Juan and whomever got the message said they would pass it to management. (Too many of these team sites lack an email address.) Also wrote a letter to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Excellent! The letter will have impact at least!
Thank you for this.
Yes, to make your voice heard about how bad the voting bill just passed and enacted by the governor - disappointed in state reps not supporting the people of Georgia just their own personal power and to spread the word for support of FOR THE PEOPLE ACT 2021
Thank you.
Yes
Thank you for this info Ellie. It’s going to be a busy day online.
Wow! Thanks! I'll be busy today. Many, many thanks for this.
Oops...just saw this post of yours, Ellie. Will follow suit!!
Add in social media campaigns. As I recall youth when learning that some of their clothes were being made by women in Bangladesh under horrible conditions, they stopped buying the product. The company changed.
Who are the CEO s and board members of coke Home Depot and?
I going to sleep, ted. Look it up. That's what I'm going to do. Also get list of big bus in Georgia.
Do you mean bus companies so folks can travel there?
Sorry, no. I meant businesses.
CEOs:
Craig_Menear@homedepot.com
ctome@ups.com (Carol Tome)
edward.bastian@delta.com
jquincey@coca-cola.com (James Quncey)
Correction: ed.bastian@delta.com
let's collude with Michael Moore
Hit 'em in the profit margin, it's the only place they feel anything!
We hand out cokes and Dasani water or Pepsi and their water brand? Hmmmm? What’s it gonna be? U know what, we get coke to donate Dasani water bottles. They pay for it.
Good morning! Excellent idea, Ted!
You hit them in their $$ bottom line. Boycott them, boycott the state. Let them know. Write letters, make phone calls. Here are the 10 Georgia-based companies with the largest employees, followed by a link to the 100 top Georgian companies.
I will let our local Home Depot and UPS know that I am not going to buy from them until this illegal, racist, voter rights and voter warfare across our country are halted immediately. We have this power, use it.
The Home Depot
United Parcel Service
Randstad USA
Delta Air Lines
Arby’s
The Coca-Cola Company
Hansen Beverage
Cox Media Group
Cox Enterprises
Genuine Parts Company
Whoops --- https://www.zippia.com/advice/largest-companies-in-georgia/
Perfect, Penelope. This is very helpful.
Here's 4 email addresses for you, Ruth. Four ceo email addresses:
Craig_Menear@homedepot.com
ctome@ups.com (Carol Tome)
edward.bastian@delta.com
jquincey@coca-cola.com (James Quncey)
Facebook works both ways.
You bring us hope, Margaret. I would add that I think John Lewis would not be deterred by this not-so-new effort to depress the vote; that Stacey Abrams is "on it." I have faith that the voters in Georgia will find a way. I myself will shine a light where I can!
No, I did not mean to imply that. I think he would feel betrayed and hurt by seeing his progress being wiped out by white men behind closed doors. Of course, he would always be up for a fight for what is right! Always!
Maggie, I was more intending to remind myself outloud about Lewis and Abrams!
"GA politicians are so bought and paid for and in debt to these corporations..." If you think that only the Republicans are indebted to corporations, I can assure you that buying political outcomes is a non-partisan practice across both parties at the national, state, and local levels. I'm not suggesting that we not lobby them hard in GA, but let's not let the Dems off the hook. They too rely on huge corporate funding. It's one reason HR1/SB1 is an important start to cleaning up our democracy.
NATIONAL BOYCOTT OF COCA COLA and HOME DEPOT?! Be sure and tell them why.
Just throwing this in here, MaryPat. Marc Ellis on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marceelias/status/1375287710257008642?s=20
It sounds like he's saying he's in court about this?
Great work. Lynell. He is the best. I couldn't tell if he's heading for court, but that is possible.
I have secured the email address of the 6th District AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia. It is run by Bishop Reginald Jackson. If you are willing, leave me a reply off this post just stating your name and state. I will forward on to the Bishop as a petition in support of the church who is opposing the S202 Bill.
Penelope Simpson Adams, Vermont
MaryPat Randall, Michigan.
Thanks, Penelope, MaryPat, and Kim. We did not receive enough names to file a petition, so we won't be sending one. Just wanted to let you know!
Kim C. Danner, Washington State
MaryPat, Has a NATIONAL BOYOTT been called? Which is the umbrella organization that called. Asking because I need to back up who has called it and contact info. Thanks.
Here's news re cocoa cola:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/georgia-activists-call-for-coca-cola-boycott-over-deafening-silence-on-voting-rights/ar-BB1eXGo6?ocid=uxbndlbing
Georgia Chamber of Commerce weighs in in support of Activists. Several businesses are referred to in this WaPo article as being in alignment with Chamber of Commerce:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/03/15/georgia-voting-business/
Thanks Linell! Gives great hope!!
This is only boycott news I saw:
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10220463321200228&id=1447833839
Appreciate Lynell's sources.
Thanks, MaryPat for replying. I don't use Facebook, so will not pursue this link. If anyone has more info on a BOYCOTT, please comment and post me. Thank you.
Here you go, Fern. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/georgia-activists-call-for-coca-cola-boycott-over-deafening-silence-on-voting-rights/ar-BB1eXGo6?ocid=uxbndlbing
This is exactly what we want to join. While I would do it, your are the finder, and I whiz, in my opinion, so I suggest you make it an urgent comment now.
Sorry Fern, I meant to post this one: https://www.savannahtribune.com/articles/local-leaders-stand-with-ccdc-in-protest-of-georgia-hb531-and-sb241/
Thanks, Lynell. See my response to your Boycott link. It would be great to link up with the churches if that works from their point of view.
Churches, yes!
Rev. William Barber and Poor People’s Campaign
A great clearing house for all kinds of Good Trouble.
I found Bishop Reginald Thomas Jackson of the 6th District AME in Atlanta. He can be emailed. What do you want to say? It would be great if a whole group of us could band together instead of individually show support.
Lynell, I completely agree with your thoughts. I must go out now for a couple of hours. If you would like to do it, you may email or call indicating that you are a member of a group of subscribers to the newsletter of a writer - Professor of American History. A number of subscribers would like know if and how we could support his organization with reference to the Boycott. What does he recommend. That is my thought. I will be back by 6:30 EST. If you go ahead with this, just post if you have any news and about anything I can do. Thank you!
okay. In the meantime, I have posted on this page my (our) desire to reach out to the bishop and for them to reply to my post with their name and state to append to our email.
okay. In the meantime, I have posted on this page my (our) desire to reach out to the bishop and for them to reply to my post with their name and state to append to our email.
Did you see this? Rep. Cannon arrested for knocking on Kemp's door while he was signing the voting bill:
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/26/981471672/police-arrest-georgia-lawmaker-as-governor-signs-law-overhauling-elections
Yes, Kimberley. It was very upsetting to see her surrounded by about 6 or 7 members of law enforcement
Good ol' bully boys
Thank you for the link. Who believes a bill is honorable and good for the people if it must be signed under guard in secret?
Well said.
Also the Film Industry carries a great deal of weight here, the money they bring to the city is tremendous, not to mention the bragging rights, of Hollywood South.
First person who comes to mind is Tyler Perry. I can't imagine he is too happy about all this.
This is the best approach. pressure on the Corps.
Good points’
However the Republican legislators can throw out the vote and make their own decision. Voters can vote but no guarantees their votes will count. Disgraceful and very unsettling
This is the really evil part of the bill! That is out right taking away a person's legal vote!
I agree! The water is gratuitous cruelty, but it’s the lines requiring the water that are the problem.
You're right. Though every common sense thing that can be done should be done. Where the hell are we headed?
This must not stand.
Do The People of America have rights to vote that cannot be taken away? I am so fricking confused by our country all the time. Thank you repubs for showing us how your evility finds every loophole possible to destroy us. Who needs enemies?
They’re doing the same thing in Arizona.
and 43 (!) other states
Can SCOTUS overturn the Georgia Voter Suppression Act (let's call it what it is).
They could but do not count on it. The current SCOTUS has been restricting voting rights - and that was before Barrett joined.
Oh yes. Don’t count on this court.
Erghhh. Spot on Shellee
And stay on the voter rolls. Pretty sure Georgia republican leadership is already beginning the purge. Sad, mad, bad day.
Absolutely! And encourage and help non driving adults apply for and get valid state IDs
Totally. GQP likes purges even more than Stalin did.
The only place that they should be allowed to purge is within their own house.
Oooh. Cancel culture.
Yeah.... I can smell Kemp’s stinch from ten states away. Wat a skunk! I imagine the optics: SNL skit police arresting Adam Sandler as the waterboy, go ahead and try to enforce...the pushback is going to be something to behold.
How do you think it smells here? I live about 7 miles from the govenor’s mansion
We need to bring YOU water, Dick
I'm already imagining all the creative ways Dems will find workarounds for some of the more ridiculous parts of this law, like being prohibited from giving food and water to people waiting in line to vote. Busloads of us from other states showing up to stand alongside the line and invite voters to take one giant step out of line to receive a sandwich or bottle of water. In what jails would they put all of us? The photo ops that will shoot across the globe, making Georgia gop look every bit as small-minded and racist as they are in their little tiny hearts. I can't stay up to watch but I bet late night is having a blast with this.
At the very least, it's a violation of their civil rights, eg: no food or water. But that's exactly the point of course.
This element is spin to incite people. Read the bill, Section 33. The provision of food and water is part of the section about solicitation of votes while in line at a polling place. Water is to be provided at an unattended table. May not like it, but its part of keeping the appearance of non interference with a person's voting. Also, it is very specific as to where one can not provide such items.
Also, the bill addresses the long lines which doesn't get reported. Local election officials are required to provide enough voting equipment at a precinct to ensure no voter stands in line more than an hour. If they can't do that, they're to create a new precinct.
As a final comment, there are some serious issues in the bill regarding absentee voting. That's the real argument, not the provision of water.
With less absentee and early voting, more time will be spent in voting lines. That's why the bans on water and food matter. The strategy is to torture prospective voters until they abandon the effort. No picking and choosing which provisions are benign or unimportant. It's all of a piece.
Absolutely!
I wish legislation was that simple. My experience in doing it suggests otherwise. There is the philosophy/practicability of severability. Besides if that was the case, the Affordable Care Act would have been ruled unconstitutional/invalid when selected portions were brought before the courts. As I recall, this was one of the issues facing the Supreme Court when Barrett was being confirmed.
Section 33 deals with campaigning at polling stations. It prohibits solicitation of votes, payment of monies to people standing in line to vote, etc. The legislature added to that element of not approaching people standing line to vote and giving them water and food. This is about a perception that people approached voters in line, offered them water and food in exchange for their vote. If it happened doesn't matter because there's the perception of giving something for a vote. The language regarding where this cannot occur is defined by three elements:
- within 150 feet of the building where voting occurs
- to a voter standing in line waiting to vote (I'll come back to this)
- inside the voting place.
Makes sense in that I doubt Massachusetts allows campaigning within a distance of the a voting location. It's supposed to be a neutral zone.
What's problematic is the definition of where the voting line starts. This language is part of the original law. I could be standing in line to enter the voting line. And the legislation defines to some degree where someone could try to influence a voter that is out of sight of the voting location, out of hearing distance of the voting location, etc. Given the bad publicity Georgia got in the last election about the long lines, the bill provides for election officials to provide an unattended table with water that a voter can pick up while they wait in line. So seeking clarification would help in this matter.
If you're a poll worker and you see someone passing out water and food or whatever where the law stated earlier that no one could campaign, how do you know the person, who is not an election official, is not influencing the vote, intimidating the voter, etc. Thus the language of the bill.
"how do you know the person, who is not an election official, is not influencing the vote, intimidating the voter, etc."
Yes, MA has similar laws, but also citizens, officials, and police who know how to act on Election Day, so they're rarely enforced. Not so in GA.
Of course the bill isn't simple; it is abstract. Some progressive MIGHT try to influence voters in line, though we know it's mostly Repugs who mess with in-person voting. But its intent and, even more, its effect is clear: to do exactly what it claims to prevent, intimidate and influence.
If replying, please skip the mini-treatise and show that you care if Georgia's votes are cast and counted.
You make a good point. The lines stretched miles- so they will have enough tables and water that is actually accessible? or is it actually "an unaccompanied table"
If the lines get too long, they will create a new precinct? If this is needed in early voting I can see that being possible but it will take at least a day to set up the new precinct. I can't recall any time they were able to do quickly do this. If it happens ON voting day.... They would have to get more machines, which then have to be tested as so far they Never test ahead of time. They are counting on those long lines being in certain districts and they just won't be able to set it up in time....that is crazy!
Hi Daria, Did you see this? Rep. Cannon arrested for knocking on Kemp's door while he was signing the voting bill:
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/26/981471672/police-arrest-georgia-lawmaker-as-governor-signs-law-overhauling-elections
If Rep. Cannon had not knocked on the door and been arrested, this story may not have been as big and as widely spread. She is a Hero!
I’d like to see someone busted for sharing water!! That’ll look good on the news! What if the person diabetic?
ICE has not problem arresting people for humanitarian help for refugees.... GOP do not believe in humanitarian efforts, only greed and power.
had a*
Is now against the law. These people are such an incredible liars in Georgia. Unbelievable
https://www.vox.com/22352112/georgia-voting-sb-202-explained I am confused once again as I read about this bill being voted on on Monday, and yet Kemp already signed it. What am I missing?
It has been enacted. The bill is now law. Please post a link to support the boycott under the churches' umbrella. You've done crucial work. Thank you.