Court rulings in three different states, including Alabama, Nebraska, and Georgia, have reversed or halted controversial measures that would have restricted voting access in the upcoming United States election. These decisions come as the November 5 general election nears and highlight the ongoing battles for voting rights in the country.
In Alabama, a federal judge blocked a voter purging program launched by the Republican Secretary of State, Wes Allen, aimed at removing “noncitizens” from the voter rolls. The program was deemed illegal as it could disenfranchise citizens who should be able to vote. Similarly, in Nebraska, the state’s top court upheld a law allowing felons who have completed their sentences to vote, overturning objections from the Republican Secretary of State, Robert Evnen.
In Georgia, a judge ruled that seven new election rules passed by the State Election Board were illegal, unconstitutional, and void. These rules included requirements for hand-counting ballots on election day, certification of election results by local officials, and providing a signature and photo identification when delivering an absentee ballot in person. Voting rights groups had raised concerns that these rules would suppress voting rights and increase the chances of errors.
Overall, voting rights groups have hailed these court decisions as victories for Americans’ constitutional rights. The rulings have pushed back against efforts to restrict voting access, particularly in states where Republican officials have sought measures under the guise of preventing election fraud. The decisions are seen as steps towards ensuring fair and accessible elections for all citizens.
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