Former President Barack Obama was very vocal on the issue of voter suppression in an exclusive interview with theGrio. It comes after Georgia’s Gov. Brian Kemp signed the controversial Senate Bill 202.
What We Know:
- The new bill, known as SB 202, allows state-level officials to take away county election boards’ powers. SB 202 permits the state government to possibly disqualify voters in Democratic-leaning areas. Additionally, it would make it illegal to provide food and water to voters in line. This is problematic because Georgia voter lines are historically long in majority nonwhite precincts. The voting law would also require ID for absentee ballots and limit dropbox placement.
- In his discussion with theGrio Staff, Obama asks black voters to defend their rights. He says this isn’t the first time government officials have attempted to repress votes “to advance their own narrow interests.” In terms of fighting voter suppression, he wants citizens to keep organizing and showing up to polls to enforce change. He also encourages his supporters to follow Stacey Abrams‘ lead in fighting for voter mobilization.
- Also, Obama debates how to preserve democracy. He affirms that democracy “is not dead yet” when asked about CPAC, QAnon/Trump voters, and voter suppression. Obama says that over the last year, the United States has seen an influx of citizens willing to fight for a difference. He declared that in November, “under incredibly difficult circumstances,” Americans proved the system is still efficient. However, for democracy to continue, citizens must be active every day.
- Various companies, Democratic politicians, and citizens disagree with SB 202. Recently, the Major League Baseball (MLB) pulled the All-Star Game from Atlanta in response to the law. Although Georgia Democrats are upset their state will not host the game, they understood the MLB’s stance. On Saturday, church organizations like the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, and the Augusta Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, among others, urged corporations attending and sponsoring the Master’s Tournament to also fight against SB 202.
Obama reminds the readers that previous generations also had to fight for their rights. He references billy clubs, lynching, poll taxes, and literacy tests. Furthermore, he cites protestors were relentless to make sure their voices were heard.
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