Georgia Voter Suppression Law Challenge (Consolidated Case)

Line-warming Ban Provision

Currently, the line-warming ban does not apply to those who are more than 150 feet from the polling place. On Aug. 18, 2022, a federal judge denied the plaintiffs’ request to temporarily block the line-warming ban in S.B. 202. However, one year later, on Aug. 18, 2023 the judge temporarily blocked the line-warming provision that imposed criminal penalties on individuals who handed out food and water to voters even if they were more than 150 feet from a polling place. On Sept. 18, the Republican intervenors and state officials appealed the decision  to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Birthdate Provision

Currently, the birthdate provision is blocked for the 2024 elections. On Aug. 18, 2023, the judge temporarily blocked the provision that rejects a voter’s absentee ballot if the birth date written on an outer ballot envelope did not match the voter’s registration record. On Sept. 18, the Republican intervenors and state officials appealed the decision to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. On Oct. 2, the Georgia NAACP and AME plaintiffs appealed the decision that granted in part and denied in part plaintiffs’ request to block the provision of the law that requires voters to put their birthday on the outer envelope of the absentee ballot. 

Drop Box Limitation Provision

Drop box limitations remain in place. On Aug. 21, 2023, the judge declined to temporarily block provisions that limit the availability of drop boxes. 

Ballot Return Assistance Provision  

The ballot return assistance provision remains in place. On Aug. 21, 2023, the judge declined to temporarily block this provision that restricts who can assist individuals in returning their completed absentee ballots.

Absentee Ballot Application Window Provision

On Aug. 21, 2023, the judge declined to temporarily block this provision that shortens the absentee ballot application window. Absentee ballot requests must be submitted no later than eleven days prior to an election. 

Absentee Ballot ID Requirements Provision

On Aug. 21, 2023, the judge declined to temporarily block this provision that requires voters applying for an absentee ballot use a driver’s license or state identification card number, or a copy of an alternative identification to confirm their identity on their absentee ballot application. This provision remains in place. 

Incorrect Precinct Ballots Provision

On Oct. 11, 2023, the judge declined to temporarily block this provision that prohibits counting timely cast provisional ballots in the wrong precinct. This provision remains in place. 

New Runoff Provisions 

On Jan. 12, 2024, the judge declined to block provisions that: shortened the timeline for holding runoff elections, shortened the early voting period in runoff elections and eliminated the window for voters to register between a general election and runoff election while remaining eligible to vote in the runoff election. This provision remains in place.