From: Liz Flowers - Senate Democratic Caucus
Date:09/09/2014 6:34 PM (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Release - Senate Democrats Condemn Millar for Racially Divisive Remarks
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RELEASE
September 9, 2014
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For Immediate Release
Contact:
Liz Flowers
Senate Democratic Caucus
404-291-4755
flowersliz123@gmail.com
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Senate Dems Condemn Millar for Racially Divisive Remarks
Vote suppression must be stopped, says Henson
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Atlanta, Ga. - September 9, 2014 - Georgia Senate Democrats were quick to condemn racially divisive statements made by State Sen. Fran Millar with regard to DeKalb County's plan to expand voter access by adding a Sunday early voting day.
Millar opposes the addition of a Sunday voting day because the early voting location is located in an area "dominated by African American shoppers and ... near several large African American mega churches."
"I am excited that DeKalb County is taking the lead in strengthening voting rights by adding a Sunday early voting day. With voting rights under attack across the nation and here in Georgia, it is refreshing to see DeKalb County countering this trend and making it easier and more convenient for residents to exercise their right to vote," said Sen. Steve Henson, Democratic caucus leader.
"While I cannot even begin to express my disappointment in Sen. Millar's comments, I must say that I am not surprised. Sen. Millar has had a history supporting legislation that is highly partisan, racially divisive and has the effect of negatively impacting minority voter participation, such as his bill to make the DeKalb CEO non-partisan and his past support to reduce the number of days for early voting. Voter suppression must be stopped," Henson said.
"It is unconscionable that, in this day and age, an elected official is so blatantly calling for suppression of minority voting rights. Millar's promise to introduce legislation to outlaw Sunday voting, just like the 2006 Voter ID law and a long list of other changes, is one more step in Republican Party's attempt to suppress voter participation as much as possible. Voter discrimination simply cannot be tolerated in this day and age," said Sen. Vincent Fort, whip of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
Any legislation that Senator Millar and other Republicans plan to introduce in the next legislative session that is designed to reduce voting participation because of race and partisan politics will certainly face a legal challenge.
"Sen. Millar seems to think that he is above the Voting Rights Act. Despite the disappointing Supreme Court decision in Shelby County, Section 2 of the VRA still applies, and it clearly prohibits voting changes intended to disenfranchise voters based on race. If Sen. Millar passes legislation targeted at minority voting rights, residents in DeKalb County will sue under Section 2 and we will win," said Sen. Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain).
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