Georgia GOP has a new voter suppression tactic: Here's how they are targeting Black election officials

Republicans in the state of Georgia are making arduous efforts to further contribute to voter suppression across the state. In addition to enacting laws to make it more difficult for people of color to vote, they are now targeting Black election officials.

According to The New York Times, Republican lawmakers are laying the foundation to expand their own power over election processes in states across the country.

Lawmakers' actions in Georgia are a prime example of what may be seen in many states in the very near future. Per the publication:

"Across Georgia, members of at least 10 county election boards have been removed, had their position eliminated, or are likely to be kicked off through local ordinances or new laws passed by the state legislature. At least five are people of color and most are Democrats — though some are Republicans — and they will most likely all be replaced by Republicans."

"Ms. Hollis and local officials like her have been some of the earliest casualties as Republican-led legislatures mount an expansive takeover of election administration in a raft of new voting bills this year."

The reports about Georgia's targeting of Black election officials come as similar actions are being taken in other Republican-led states like Arkansas, Kansas, and possibly Arizona. Over the last year, there have been more discussions about Republican lawmakers' efforts to chip away at the United States' democracy.

In some states, controversial voting laws have already been passed but what's worse is that some of the bills include provisions that grant election power to politicians; many of whom have biased political agendas.

With election power in the hands of partisan politicians, it is almost guaranteed that elections will never be free and fair. Politics USA stresses the importance and imperativeness of Democratic lawmakers advancing the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the For The People Act before it is too late. If something is not done in a timely fashion, the state of Georgia may be the first example of what it looks like when lawmakers deeply interfere with access to the democratic process.