Georgia’s state legislature has more than 80 election-related bills this year, and Republicans in many states are pushing to tighten voting restrictions. Duncan pointed out that some of Georgia’s electoral bills were drafted by Democrats or are bipartisan efforts – “There are some good ideas put in place by Democrats and Republicans,” he said – but he disagreed with some proposed changes, including an end to the absent vote. without excuse.
Former Georgia House minority leader Stacey Abrams called efforts to tighten voting rules “racist” on Sunday.
“It’s a Jim Crow redux in a suit and tie,” said Abrams on CNN’s “State of the Union”. She added: “There is a direct correlation between the use of hanging boxes, the use of early voting in person, especially on Sundays, and the use of voting by post, and a direct increase in the number of black people who vote.”
Host Chuck Todd pointed out to Duncan that attempts by state legislatures to restrict voting over the weekend seem to many to be an attempt to target African-American voters.
“I’m very sensitive to that,” said Duncan. “And I’m one of those Republicans who want more people to vote. I think our ideas help people.”
Duncan acknowledged that his views on how to keep voting accessible are a minority view in his party, saying that the misinformation surrounding the November election has undermined the Republicans’ credibility. But Duncan said he is “in tune” with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp in keeping ballots without excuse.
“I hope more people will vote in the next Georgia election than in the previous one,” said Duncan.