It is unlawful to give food stuff, drinking water to Georgia voters in line

Claims of voter suppression surfaced in Ga in the course of the 2020 presidential election, with extended lines heading viral on social media. 

The Election Integrity Act of 2021, a new voting regulation in the state, is drawing a lot of criticism for new restrictions that could disenfranchise voters. Just one distinguished assert is that the law criminalizes giving foodstuff or water to voters waiting around in line for polls.  

Is it illegal to hand out drinking water to Ga voters waiting in line? 

Sure. Below the new laws, it is unlawful for anybody besides poll personnel to deliver foodstuff or h2o to voters in line for polls. According to Eric Segall, Ashe family members chair professor of regulation at Ga Point out College College of Regulation, this means not even friends and household can provide snacks to voters in line. 

Activists and other public figures have stated this component of the regulation could discourage people from voting. 

The law reads: “No person shall solicit votes in any way or by any indicates or technique…or take part in the providing of any dollars or gifts, which include, but not limited to, meals and consume, to an elector.”

The only other condition that prohibits the shipping of food stuff and consume during an election in some kind is Montana, but especially if it’s coming from a applicant, political celebration staff or volunteers, in accordance to the Nationwide Conference of Condition Legislatures. No other point out has such legislation so considerably. 

But in Ga, Eric Segall claims not even friends or loved ones can now convey them a snack if they’re ready in a prolonged line. 

“It’s now illegal in Georgia to do that,” he explained. 

The new legislation suggests that poll workers are the only kinds approved to deliver voters with food items and h2o. Breaking this is law now punishable by up to a 12 months in jail and a $1000 great. 

“This prohibition is a portion of a variety of distinctive prohibitions that make it additional tough to do politicking at the polls,” Segall discussed. 

But Segall says it’s extremely unlikely that this legislation will be enforced. 

So we can verify this is correct: Below the Election Integrity Act of 2021, except if you are a poll employee, it is illegal to give food stuff or drinking water to any Georgia voter waiting in line. What is undetermined is regardless of whether everyone will enforce the new rule by leveling jail time or fines.