The Georgia State Elections Board will vote today whether or not to adopt a ruling that would require all Georgia voters to prove their citizenship.
If adopted, the controversial ruling would take effect after January 1, or as soon as the U.S. Department of Justice determines whether it would be an unfair burden to minority voters.
Supports of the rule, which has already been passed by the General Assembly, feel that it protects the sanctity of elections.
Critics, however, say the ruling is a burden to African-Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and other minority groups, as well as for people who can't afford a car. People without a car tend not to have a driver's license or a passport, and getting those documents would not only be expensive, but could also be difficult without transportation.
But supporters say the requirement to prove citizenship is no more burdensome than what is needed to cash a check or board an airplane. Supporters also argue that a lot of illegal immigrants aren't likely to vote in the first place.
"People who are trying not to be noticed are not going to be doing anything with the state," said Larry Pellegrini of Georgia Voter Owned and Trusted Elections. He said the penalties are already enough to discourage illegal aliens from voting.
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