Republican lawmakers have said in key states that President-elect Biden won, implementing voting reforms amid a ronavirus epidemic that made it easier for Americans to vote.
Why it’s important: According to the Justice Department, popular reforms contributed to this year’s record turnout and did not produce the widespread fraud claimed by President Trump and his supporters.
Reference: Attorney General Bill Barre told the AP in early December that the department had not found evidence of widespread voter fraud that would change the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
Big picture:
- Georgia: In Georgia, Republican J. Biden won outright, proposing the need for a photo ID when voting in absentia, a ban on drop boxes, and an excuse for mail voting.
- Georgia’s US Senate run-up in January will take place under current law.
- Pennsylvania: Republicans, who both have a majority in the Pennsylvania Legislative Chamber, are debating amendments to the law that would extend mail voting to all registered voters, seeking an excuse to get a ballot in the mail.
- MichiganRepublican lawmakers held hearings in which Trump’s lawyers accused the base of voting irregularities, and Democrats warned the Secretary of State that could lead to new voting rules.
Note: Some Republican-led states are trying to make it easier for Americans to vote.
- In Ohio, Republican Secretary of State Frank Lose Rose told the AP that he would expand polling stations as soon as possible and hoped to add an option online to request absent ballots.
Go deep: Early voting for Georgia’s Senate seats begins with heavy voting
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