SPLC Action Fund Responds to Cobb County Elections Announcement on Re-Opening of Early Voting Sites for Runoff Elections

ATLANTA – The following statement responding to today’s Cobb County Elections announcement about the re-opening of general election early vote sites for the January 5 runoff elections, following outreach by SPLC Action Fund and partners, is by Poy Winichakul, staff attorney for the SPLC Action Fund. 

“Today’s announcement by Cobb County Elections Director Janine Eveler is vindication for the organized, sustained mobilization of voters, activists, and civil rights organizations working to ensure every Georgia voter can easily and safely participate in the democratic process for the January 5 runoff elections.

“Closing half the early voting sites open during the general election – particularly ones located in historically disenfranchised Black and Latinx communities – in the third largest county in Georgia was simply not an option. The other 158 counties in the state should take note that Georgia voters and groups on their side will not stand down when officials erect obstacles to the voting process.

“After a relentless undermining of the nationwide election result by the president and his allies and three separate recounts of general election ballots in Georgia, it’s understandable that some voters may be tired. Today’s decision shows, however, that Georgia voters know that their work isn’t complete – they understand how the upcoming runoff elections will deeply impact how the nation deals with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and addresses racial injustices. And they want an election process that is convenient and safe for every voter’s voice to be heard.”