**WASHINGTON** — The Justice Department on Friday sued the state of Georgia over a new law that restricts voting access, arguing that the measure violates the Voting Rights Act and the U.S. Constitution..
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Atlanta, marks the latest escalation in the battle over voting rights in the United States. Republicans in Georgia and other states have passed restrictive laws that critics say disproportionately affect minority voters..
The Justice Department’s lawsuit alleges that Georgia’s new law imposes “onerous and unnecessary” restrictions on voting that will make it harder for Black voters to cast ballots. The suit specifically cites provisions of the law that require voters to provide identification when they request an absentee ballot and that limit the number of ballot drop boxes available in predominantly Black counties..
The Justice Department’s lawsuit is a major blow to Georgia’s Republican-controlled government. The state has been at the forefront of the effort to restrict voting access, and the lawsuit could set a precedent for challenges to similar laws in other states..
The lawsuit is also a significant step by the Biden administration, which has made protecting voting rights a priority. Attorney General Merrick Garland has said that the department will “vigorously defend the right to vote” and “challenge any state or local law that discriminates against voters.”.
The lawsuit is likely to face legal challenges from Georgia officials. The state’s governor, Brian Kemp, has defended the new law, saying that it is necessary to prevent voter fraud..
The fight over voting rights is expected to continue in the courts and in the political arena. The outcome of the lawsuit could have a significant impact on the ability of voters to participate in the 2022 midterm elections and beyond..
Here is a summary of the Justice Department’s lawsuit:.
* The lawsuit alleges that Georgia’s new law violates Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits states from enacting laws that discriminate against voters based on race..
* The lawsuit also alleges that the law violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law for all citizens..
* The lawsuit specifically cites the following provisions of the law as discriminatory:.
* A requirement that voters provide identification when they request an absentee ballot..
* A limit on the number of ballot drop boxes available in predominantly Black counties..
* The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the law is unconstitutional and an injunction to prevent Georgia from enforcing the law..
The lawsuit is a major escalation in the battle over voting rights in the United States. The outcome of the lawsuit could have a significant impact on the ability of voters to participate in the 2022 midterm elections and beyond..
