😃 THE GOOD: A state court judge in Arizona rejected a legal challenge to drop boxes and signature matching rules. This decision is a significant win for Arizona voters, especially considering that nearly 90% of the state used mail-in ballots in 2020. These cases were dismissed based on the state secretary's clarification on signature verification and the compliance of dropbox rules with Arizona law.
Despite ongoing efforts to challenge mail-in voting, it remains a safe and accessible voting option this year.
😠 THE BAD: The Arkansas Board of Election Commissioners recently passed a temporary rule prohibiting election officials from accepting voter registration forms with electronic signatures, citing the state constitution's restrictions. The rule, seen as voter suppression, has faced backlash from voter registration groups for making the voter registration process more difficult. This development aligns with a broader trend of voting restrictions in various states, raising concerns about disenfranchisement and legal challenges.
The temporary rule is subject to public feedback for the development of a permanent rule.
😡 THE UGLY: Georgia enacted three new voter suppression laws, changing how elections are run in the state just months before the presidential election. These laws include changes that make it harder for people experiencing homelessness to register to vote, put an unnecessary strain on already overburdened election workers by requiring in-person early voting and mail ballots to be counted within an hour of the polls closing, and allow voters to be removed from the rolls up to 45 days before an election.
Many of the provisions will go into effect just in time for the November election.
