Georgia Democratic Lawmakers Under Investigation For Giving Pizza, Potato Chips To Voters - Forbes

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Topline

Two Democratic state representatives in Georgia are under investigation for potentially breaking a law banning gifts to voters by giving out pizza and potato chips to people waiting in line at polling places, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, alleged offenses that occurred before Georgia enacted new election restrictions explicitly banning the practice of giving out food and water to voters.

Key Facts

Rep. Roger Bruce is being investigated for handing out potato chips to early voters waiting in line in October, while Rep. Matthew Wilson gave out pizza to voters on Election Day in 2018.

Bruce was wearing a shirt identifying himself as a state representative, while Wilson received permission from the poll manager and did not identify himself as a candidate, according to AJC.

State Attorney General Chris Carr’s office is now investigating whether any violations took place, the newspaper reported, after the matter was referred to the Republican by the State Election Board.

Georgia enacted a highly controversial slate of new voting restrictions this year, including explicitly adding language banning non-poll workers from handing out food or water to voters waiting in line.

Surprising Fact

Prior to the law being enacted, whether handing out food and water amounted to giving a gift was subject to interpretation. But it doesn't appear there were any significant challenges to the practice, which was commonplace. It also doesn't seem there are similar claims that the many other, well-publicized instances of volunteers handing out food and water to voters qualified as handing out illegal gifts.

Key Background

Georgia Republicans have faced widespread backlash from many, notably the business community, after enacting voting restrictions earlier this year. Voting hours have been shortened and the number of mail-in ballot drop boxes has been limited. But it's banning handouts of food and water that's drawn some of the most attention, including from three voting rights groups, which sued the state by claiming the ban discourages Black Georgians from turning out to vote.

Contra

Democrats in Congress have proposed the For The People Act to create national voting standards and also undo many new restrictions put in place in states like Georgia. But the legislation has no chance of passing the U.S. Senate without filibuster reform.