
Black Voters Matter v. Raffensperger
What's at Stake
The ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ and ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ of Georgia filed a federal lawsuit April 8, 2020, on behalf of Black Voters Matter challenging the constitutionality of requiring voters to buy postage stamps when submitting mail-in absentee ballots and mailing in absentee ballot applications. This is tantamount to a poll tax.
Summary
The legal claim is straightforward. The Constitution bans poll taxes. Postage costs money. Election officials require Georgia voters to pay postage when submitting mail-in absentee ballots, amounting to a poll tax. Because the COVID-19 pandemic has made it unrealistic for most, if not all, voters to cast ballots in-person, the state is essentially forcing voters to pay in order to participate in our democracy.
The ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ is seeking a preliminary injunction to require election officials to provide prepaid returnable envelopes for absentee ballots and absentee ballot applications. Election officials already know how to do this, because the law requires them to provide postage prepaid returnable envelopes for other purposes.
Sophia Lin Lakin, deputy director of the ³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥â€™s Voting Rights Project, said: “No one should have to choose between protecting their health and their right to vote. Voting by mail will be the safest option for many voters. In failing to provide prepaid postage for absentee ballots, Georgia is creating an unconstitutional obstacle to voting. We won't allow for a modern-day poll tax.â€
Legal Documents
-
04/08/2020
Black Voters Matter v Raffensperger - COMPLAINT
Date Filed: 04/08/2020
Affiliate: Georgia
Press Releases
³Ô¹ÏÖ±²¥ Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging Georgia Poll Tax