Atlanta, GA – Today, Progress Georgia released the following statement from their executive director Ashley Robinson following the announcement that Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger plans to appeal Fulton County Superior Judge Thomas Cox’s decision to allow for early voting following Thanksgiving and the state holiday observing Robert E. Lee Day. 

“Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s decision to appeal Judge Cox’s ruling is yet another attempt to suppress the vote in our state, especially for college students and working Georgians. Make no mistake, this is all part of a larger effort to diminish the electoral power of students and communities of color. However, we, along with other voting rights advocates across Georgia, refuse to be disenfranchised by those hell-bent on undermining the freedom of others to pick and choose their constituents. 

“We understand that some counties across the state simply do not have the capacity to provide early voting, but it is imperative that our leaders not stand in the way of voters being able to have their voices heard at the ballot box. We can only achieve a true, inclusive and representative democracy when everyone – irrespective of their status – are afforded the time and opportunity to cast their vote.”