## Georgia Republicans Aim to Restrict Weekend Absentee Ballot Returns
Georgia Republicans are pushing a bill that would restrict weekend absentee ballot returns, a move that critics say would disproportionately impact minority voters who rely on early voting.
### Changes to Weekend Voting
The bill, SB 202, would prohibit absentee ballot drop boxes from being open on weekends. It would also require voters who return their ballots in person to do so at their county's board of elections office during business hours.
### Impact on Minority Voters
Critics argue that these changes would make it more difficult for minority voters to cast their ballots. Many of these voters work during the week and rely on weekend early voting to participate in the election process.
### Voting Rights Concerns
The bill has raised concerns among voting rights advocates, who say it is part of a larger effort to restrict access to the ballot box for minority voters. In recent years, Georgia has passed a number of laws that have made it harder to register to vote and cast a ballot.
### Republican Rationale
Republicans argue that the bill is necessary to prevent voter fraud. However, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in Georgia. In fact, a recent study by the Brennan Center for Justice found that Georgia had one of the lowest rates of voter fraud in the country.
### Opposition to the Bill
The bill has faced strong opposition from Democrats and voting rights groups. A number of organizations have filed lawsuits challenging the bill, and the Georgia Senate has yet to vote on it.
### Conclusion
The fate of SB 202 is still uncertain. However, if passed, it would be a significant setback for voting rights in Georgia. The bill would make it more difficult for minority voters to participate in the election process and could have a negative impact on the outcome of future elections.