Sen. Derek Mallow Statement on Bryan County Hearing on Voter Challenges

ATLANTA (October 11, 2024) - Today, Sen. Derek Mallow (D-Savannah) issued the following statement on the voter challenges hearing that took place yesterday in Bryan County:

"The voter challenges happening in Bryan County today are a direct result of Senate Bill 202 and Senate Bill 189, which were pushed by the Republican Legislature and Governor Brian P. Kemp. I warned about these consequences when I spoke against SB 189. These bills allow almost anyone to challenge their neighbors' voter registration and eligibility, often without probable cause. This is what I feared, and now we're witnessing the harmful effects on voters.

The authors of these anti-voter laws didn't have Bryan County voters in mind when these laws were passed, but Bryan County is feeling the impacts now.

If voters are frustrated by these challenges, they need to look at the representatives they elected, as the Republicans who represent Bryan County supported and fought for these bills. It's part of a broader effort, spurred by a small group of anti-voter activists since 2020, to undermine election results they don't like. From demanding recounts to promoting baseless claims about election integrity, this group has relentlessly sought to restrict voting access.

Now, the State Elections Board is suing Metro Atlanta counties when officials reject unfounded voter challenges, all under the guise of 'election security.'

This is undemocratic, un-American, and the blame lies squarely with Republicans, both local and national, who continue to spread falsehoods about the security of our elections. They've changed the rules to encourage this behavior, and we're all seeing the negative consequences.

I urge my colleagues to repeal these harmful laws. To the voters in Bryan County who are facing challenges today, I encourage you to stand with me. These laws were not made with your interests in mind, and it's time we address the damage they've caused. Our democracy suffers when we allow these actions to go unchecked."

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Sen. Derek Mallow represents the 2nd Senate District which includes a portion of Chatham County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.7586 or via email at [email protected]

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