Group Demands More Voting Opportunities in 6th District

EAST COBB, GA -- A nonprofit group that fights voter suppression is releasing radio and online ads this week in the 6th District to call attention to what they call a reduction of voting opportunities in the April 18 special election.

"Voters deserve the same opportunities to vote in a special election as they get in a general election," Jason Kander, president of Let America Vote, said in a statement. “Special elections already have historically lower turnout, and by reducing opportunities to vote, the problem gets worse."

Kander, the former Secretary of State of Missouri, is leading a push to get Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp to increase access to the polls.

"Access to the polls is the cornerstone of American democracy, and if politicians interfere with anyone casting a ballot, Let America Vote will be there to hold them accountable,” Kander, a Democrat, said.

Several municipalities in metro Atlanta have received criticism over a perceived lack of voting locations, especially in DeKalb County, which had made only a singular office on Memorial Drive available for voters to go to the polls. Another venue -- Crossroads Church of Dunwoody at 4805 Tilly Mill Road -- has opened since the complaints as a "temporary" site.

6th District Race: Early Voting Began Monday At These Locations

Eighteen candidates are competing in the 6th District special election to replace the seat vacated by Tom Price, the nation's health secretary. If necessary, a runoff election will take place on June 20.

In the latest poll, Ossoff increased his lead to about 40 percent while former Republican Secretary of State Karen Handel is barely holding off former Johns Creek City Councilman Bob Gray.

Georgia House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, an Atlanta Democrat, recently joined Let America Vote's advisory board.

Image via Pixabay