Redistricting: Recent redistricting efforts in Georgia have realigned legislative districts, potentially altering the balance of political power and affecting representation. Such changes can influence voter engagement and the competitiveness of elections.

• Impact: Redrawing district boundaries can alter which candidates and issues appear on a voter’s ballot, potentially confusing voters about their districts and polling locations. It may also impact the competitiveness of races, influencing voter engagement and turnout.
• What Voters Can Do: Check voter registration status and district information regularly, especially close to an election, to confirm polling place and ensure you are informed about the candidates and issues on your ballot.

Early Voting Changes: SB 202 standardizes early voting days across counties, mandating at least two Saturdays and providing the option for two Sundays. This aims to ensure consistency but may create logistical challenges for some counties.

• Impact: While SB 202 mandates a minimum number of early voting days, some counties may have fewer early voting sites or altered hours due to resource constraints. This could lead to longer lines and less flexibility for voters who rely on early voting to avoid Election Day crowds.
• What Voters Can Do: Plan to vote early and check the availability and hours of early voting locations in advance. Consider voting early in the day or week to avoid potential lines and wait times.

Restrictions on Private Funding: The new laws prohibit counties from accepting private funding to help administer elections, which some counties had used in 2020 to handle pandemic-related expenses. This could strain resources, particularly in smaller or lower-income counties.

• Impact: Banning private funding could strain resources in some counties, potentially reducing the number of polling places or staff, leading to longer wait times and fewer accommodations for voters with disabilities or limited transportation.
• What Voters Can Do: Stay informed about local voting resources and consider volunteering as a poll worker to support the election process. If possible, utilize absentee or early voting options to avoid potential Election Day disruptions.

Runoff Election Period Shortened: The time between general elections and runoffs has been reduced from nine weeks to four weeks, compressing the window for voter education and outreach.

• Impact: The compressed timeline for runoff elections could limit the ability of voters to receive and return absentee ballots on time and reduce opportunities for voter outreach and education, potentially lowering participation.
• What Voters Can Do: Be aware of the shortened runoff timeline and prepare to vote as soon as possible. Request absentee ballots early and ensure they are returned promptly. Voters should also stay informed about any runoff election dates and deadlines.

Enhanced Post-Election Audits: SB 202 requires additional post-election audits, including risk-limiting audits to validate election outcomes. These procedures aim to increase confidence in election results but add new layers of administrative responsibility for election officials.

• Impact: While aimed at increasing confidence in election outcomes, the expanded audits could lead to delays in certifying results, which might cause confusion and uncertainty about the final outcomes.
• What Voters Can Do: Monitor official election sources for updates on certification timelines and avoid misinformation. Understanding the audit process can help voters maintain confidence in the integrity of election results.

Election Worker Protections and Penalties: There are ongoing discussions to enhance protections for election workers who have faced increased threats and harassment. Additionally, SB 202 introduces stiffer penalties for election-related offenses, such as illegal ballot handling, which could discourage participation in the electoral process.

• Impact: Increased penalties for election-related offenses might discourage some individuals from becoming poll workers, as mistakes can be interpreted as illegal ballot handling, leading to staffing shortages. This could affect the efficiency and accessibility of polling places, especially in areas with already limited resources.
• What Voters Can Do: Consider participating as a poll worker or encouraging others to do so. Supporting local election officials and workers can help ensure polling places are adequately staffed and run smoothly.

Voter Eligibility Challenges and Mass Purges:

• Impact: Unlimited voter challenges could result in wrongful removal of eligible voters from the rolls, particularly in marginalized communities. This could cause confusion and disenfranchisement, especially if voters are unaware of their status until they attempt to vote.
• What Voters Can Do: Regularly check voter registration status, especially close to elections, to confirm eligibility. If registration is challenged or removed, take immediate steps to re-register and provide necessary documentation to restore voting rights.

Precinct and Provisional Ballot Rules:

• Impact: The stricter rules around precinct voting could lead to confusion and longer wait times for those who go to the wrong polling place. Provisional ballots are only a fallback option and could be rejected if not properly completed.
• What Voters Can Do: Verify polling place information before Election Day. If assigned to the wrong precinct, contact local election officials to correct the issue. If voting provisionally, ensure that all required information is provided to avoid disqualification.