4/1 – Corporate Accounting
Dear All,
Governor Brian Kemp and state lawmakers are facing increasing pressure in Georgia from some of the state’s most prominent corporations. The fact is that supporting voter suppression is bad for business. Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola have called the recently signed SB 202 voting law “unacceptable.” But is it time to boycott businesses that are still holding out? Fair Fight founder Stacey Abrams says not yet, writing in a USA Today op-ed: “I ask you to bring your business to Georgia and, if you’re already here, stay and fight. Stay and vote.” Unfortunately, Georgia isn’t the only state that should be feeling the corporate and public heat. Today, the Brennan Center for Justice updated its accounting of voting rights legislation in the states. The nonpartisan law and policy institute found: “As of March 24, legislators have introduced 361 bills with restrictive provisions in 47 states. That’s 108 more than the 253 restrictive bills tallied as of February 19, 2021—a 43 percent increase in little more than a month.” This all while six dozen powerful Black business executives have been outspoken in an organized effort to “directly call out their peers for failing to stand up for racial justice”—which, according to the New York Times, is a historic first. The group is calling on companies to fight the wave of voting restrictions moving through state legislatures. The pressure from the business community is a step in the right direction, as is the significant rise in the number of bills to expand the freedom to vote. According to the Brennan Center, there have been more than 100 voting rights expansion bills introduced since the original round-up in February, bringing the total to 843 bills in 47 states. Some housekeeping: we are trying a slightly different format for the VPP National and State updates. In addition to the recap above, we will share a set of national and state-specific clips that we find helpful in understanding the latest developments in the democracy protection arena. We hope you like it, and as always, we welcome your feedback. Here is today’s update: |
National Update
CNN: “Hillary Clinton backs repealing the filibuster for voting rights bills.” By Dan Merica. (March 31, 2021) “Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has added her name to the chorus of top Democrats who believe it is time to get rid of the Senate filibuster specifically to pass bills relating to voting rights.” The Hill: “Ben Shapiro faces backlash for comparing long lines at polls to Disneyland.” By Celine Castronuovo. (March 31, 2021) CNN: “Jamie Dimon speaks out on voting rights even as many CEOs remain silent.” By Matt Egan. (March 31, 2021) |
State Updates
Arizona
AP: “CEO of firm eyeing ballots appeared to make political posts.” By Bob Christie. April 1, 2021) Georgia Georgia Public Radio: “Here Are All The Lawsuits Challenging Georgia’s New Voting Law.” By Stephen Fowler. (March 30, 2021) Michigan CNN: “Michigan voting rights battle looms as Republicans plan to side-step Whitmer veto.” By Eric Bradner. (March 31, 2021) New Hampshire AP: “New Hampshire delegation defends voting rights legislation.” By Holly Ramer. (March 31, 2021) Tennessee Tennessee Lookout: “As GOP shifts strategy from election lawsuits to laws, voting rights advocates warn of Tennessee.” By Nate Rau. (March 31, 2021) Texas NBC: “Texas Senate passes restrictive new voting bill.” By Jane C. Timm. (April 1, 2021) Virginia ABC 8News: “Gov. Northam approves Voting Rights Act, making Virginia the first state to approve its own.” By Amelia Heymann. (March 31, 2021) |
Social Media
Follow the Voter Protection Program on Twitter to stay updated on the latest voter protection news.