Here's why comparisons of Georgia's election integrity law to Jim Crow are ridiculous. Gabe Kaminsky writes:
In his first press conference in March, President Joe Biden claimed Republicans seeking to ensure election integrity in Georgia and other states “makes Jim Crow look like Jim Eagle,” insinuating the GOP is worse than segregationists. The president has continued to parrot this illegitimate sentiment, claiming the newly passed Georgia election bill mandating voter ID for absentee ballots, among other things that should be uncontroversial, is “Jim Crow in the 21st century.” Speaking on ESPN’s “SportsCenter,” Biden said the measure was “Jim Crow on steroids.”
“This is Jim Crow on steroids what they’re doing in Georgia and 40 other states. What is this all about? Imagine passing a law saying you cannot provide water or food for someone standing in line to vote,” Biden said. “Can’t do that? Come on. Or you’re going to close a polling place at 5:00 when working people just get off.”
Biden makes two false claims here. First, food and water are not prohibited at the polling place. The statute says, “This Code section shall not be construed to prohibit a poll officer from distributing … or from making available self-service water from an unattended receptacle to an elector waiting in line to vote.” The provision applies to solicitors, advertisers, and strangers handing out gifts. Additionally, people are more than welcome to bring their own food and water.
[Gabe Kaminsky, "Biden’s ‘Jim Crow’ Label For Georgia Election Laws Is Insane. Here’s Why,” The Federalist, April 9]
