Pending legislation in Georgia would make it a misdemeanor to “give, offer to give, or participate in the giving of any money or gifts, including, but not limited to, food and drink, to an elector” within 25 feet of any voter standing in line or within 150 feet of a polling place. It would also require an ID for absentee voting, reduce the number of early voting days and restrict the number of absentee ballot drop boxes.
Republicans supporting the bill say it will protect people’s votes and “restore confidence in the voting system,” while Democrats say it will result in voter suppression.
The bill passed in the the state’s lower house along party lines, 97-72, on March 1, 2021. It is currently under consideration in the state Senate.