Mitchell Redd addresses Georgia voter suppression at public comment session

The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration convened on April 14, 2025, to address various issues concerning voter registration and election integrity. The meeting featured public comments that highlighted contrasting perspectives on voter eligibility and potential suppression.

The first speaker, a concerned citizen, raised alarms about alleged illegal voting by individuals who may have entered the country unlawfully. They questioned whether the Board was actively investigating these claims and suggested that the Secretary of State should remove inactive voters from the rolls to prevent potential fraud. The speaker emphasized that maintaining accurate voter rolls could save money and improve the integrity of the electoral process.

Following this, Mitchell Redd, a resident of the Cumberland area, spoke about ongoing voter suppression efforts in Georgia. He criticized recent legislative changes, including Senate Bill 202, which he claimed made absentee voting more difficult and allowed for unlimited challenges to registered voters without consequences for failed challenges. Redd expressed concern over House Bill 397, which, although it did not pass, could remove Georgia from a vital voter registration information center, potentially hindering efforts to keep voter rolls updated.

Redd also criticized the proposed use of a new software tool, Eagle AI, which he described as unreliable compared to official data sources. He argued that these legislative moves represent a systematic attempt to suppress voter participation and create confusion among the electorate.

The meeting concluded with a clear divide in public sentiment regarding voter registration practices, highlighting the ongoing debate over election integrity and access in Georgia. The Board is expected to continue discussions on these issues in future meetings, as the implications of recent legislative changes remain a significant concern for many residents.