A majority of likely voters in January’s runoff election want Governor Brian Kemp to call a special session of the Georgia General Assembly for absentee ballot signature verification. The poll, exclusively shared with The Georgia Star News, revealed that the bipartisan voters strongly desire a special legislative session addressing signature verification for every mail-in ballot.
The national survey research and strategic services company McLaughlin & Associates called 800 likely voters at the end of last month. The methodology was described as a random selection “to correlate with actual voter turnout in the November 3rd general election.”
So far, Kemp has refused to call a special legislative session before January 5. In an interview on Thursday, the governor expressed that he was as frustrated as President Donald Trump and voters with the post-election proceedings.
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In an interview with The Star News, CEO and Partner John McLaughlin explained that their phone survey revealed what voters believe is important ahead of the upcoming election.
“The poll was modeled on the November 3 presidential turnout and among all voters who cast ballots in that race,” he said. “The voter sentiment now for Governor Kemp to call a special session of the state legislature to require signature verification for all mail-in ballots for the senate runoff is strong and broad with a three to two statewide majority, approving 58 percent to 38 percent. Majority support is broad with approval from every key voter group in the state. The people of Georgia clearly want an honest and secure election. They certainly view requiring signature verification of mail-in ballots as an important element of election integrity and fraud prevention. The governor should call on the legislature to act immediately.”
Other issues raised by both state legislators and their constituents ahead of the runoff election include the consent decree and the state’s residency requirements.
The consent decree refers to an agreement signed by Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in March. The agreement has become a focal point in attorney Lin Wood’s case – he alleged that Raffensperger bypassed the state legislature to modify election law through the consent decree.
Although it is a felony to become a temporary resident of Georgia just to register to vote, some activists have called for just that.
President Trump will appear in Georgia on Saturday for a rally to support incumbent Republican Senators Kelly Loeffler and David Perdue, following Vice President Mike Pence’s visit on Friday.
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Corinne Murdock is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and the Star News Network. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Georgia Capitol” by DXR. CC BY-SA 4.0.
