Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) is laying into President Joe Biden for calling a new voting law in his state âJim Crow in the 21st Century.â
âThe Georgia voting law â like so many others being pursued by Republicans in statehouses across the country â is a blatant attack on the right to vote, the Constitution, and good conscience,â Biden wrote on Twitter Friday evening.
He added, âItâs Jim Crow in the 21st Century â and it must end.â
Kemp pushed back, telling The Hill that âit is obvious that neitherâ Biden ânor his handlers have actually readâ the bill.
Defending the bill, the governor said it âexpands voting access, streamlines vote-counting procedures, and ensures election integrity.â
âThere is nothing âJim Crowâ about requiring a photo or state-issued ID to vote by absentee ballot â every Georgia voter must already do so when voting in-person,â he added.
Kemp argued, âPresident Biden, the left, and the national media are determined to destroy the sanctity and security of the ballot box.â
Noting he previously served as secretary of state, Kemp told The Hill, âAs Secretary of State, I consistently led the fight to protect Georgia elections against power-hungry, partisan activists. As Governor, I wonât back down from keeping Georgia elections secure, accessible, and fair.â
Kemp signed the law this week for sweeping new voting restrictions. Some limits include limited drop boxes, makes it a misdemeanor for people to offer food or water to those waiting in line, and imposes stricter identification requirements.
Civil Rights groups have since sued, arguing it makes it harder for Black Americans to cast ballots.
Biden also told reporters in Delaware on Friday, âWe donât know quite exactly what we can do at this point. The Justice Departmentâs taking a look as well.â
