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Panel approves bill to give priority voting access to seniors, caregivers and voters with disabilities
Summary
A House elections subcommittee approved House Bill 324 to provide preferential treatment during early and regular voting for people who are blind, deaf, pregnant, caregivers of young children or persons with special needs, and older voters (age cutoff amended from 75 to 70). Supporters said the change will reduce barriers caused by long wait times.
Representative Ray Martinez presented House Bill 324 to the Elections Subcommittee, describing the measure as a targeted accessibility change to give preference during advance and regular voting to people who are blind, deaf, amputees, pregnant, accompanied by children 5 and younger, accompanied by children with special needs regardless of age, and voters aged 75 and older.
Sponsor Martinez said the purpose is to make voting more accessible and to reduce barriers created by long lines. Witnesses spoke in favor: Marcy Rubinson of the Georgia Association of Voting Registrars and Elections Officials said the association worked with the sponsor and supported the bill as a straightforward way to help election operations; Lana Goitia Paz of All Voting Is Local and Rachel Lastinger of the ACLU of Georgia said the measure would improve access for voters who face time or caregiving constraints.
During committee consideration, Chairman Gullett offered an amendment lowering the age threshold from 75 to 70. Legislative counsel advised the committee to update the bill title to reflect the age change. Committee members engaged in clarifying discussion about whether the phrase "children with special needs regardless of age" would include adults under full parental custody; the sponsor said the bill would include such arrangements and that legislative council could clarify language before full committee.
The committee voted by voice to approve the bill as amended. Committee members noted the measure will be presented in full committee for additional consideration and drafting conforming changes.
