Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2021
CONTACT: press@secure-democracy.org
NEW POLL: Bipartisan Majorities of Georgia Voters Want Greater Access to the Polls
A bipartisan majority also oppose eliminating no excuse absentee voting
Atlanta, GA (February 24, 2021) – A new statewide poll released today by Secure Democracy shows strong support from Georgia voters across party lines for policies that increase voter access.
The poll, conducted by the Tyson Group February 12 through February 17, 2021, shows voters in Georgia strongly support continuing no excuse absentee voting and secure and staffed ballot drop boxes. Voters also oppose absentee voter ID requirements that put undue burden on eligible Georgians.
This new poll should call into question multiple bills under consideration that would change current election laws and fundamentally undermine eligible voters’ ability to exercise their freedom to vote.
Sarah Walker, executive director of Secure Democracy, stated, “Georgians show unwavering support for the freedom to vote. Across party lines, they approve of common-sense programs like early in-person voting and secure drop boxes. In fact, nearly 50% of Georgia voters who voted in person voted early and almost 45% of absentee voters relied on drop boxes. Instead of looking to limit options for voters, the legislature should focus on things that Georgia voters support and improve the system, like online voter registration.”
Poll shows bipartisan support for continued access to various early voting methods in Georgia
Nearly half of those polled participated in early in-person voting, with 28% voting absentee.
Poll shows majority of voters support unrestricted access to absentee voting
54% of those polled oppose eliminating no excuse absentee voting, while only 35% support eliminating it.
66% of those polled support continued use of an online portal to request absentee ballots.
An overwhelming majority of those who voted absentee were repeat absentee voters.
A majority of Georgia voters enjoy the convenience of ballot drop boxes and support their continued availability
Of those who voted absentee, 55% mailed their ballot, and 44% used the drop box method.
Nearly 60% of those polled opposed eliminating ballot drop boxes.
A majority of those polled support staffing drop box locations with a bipartisan team of poll workers ensuring voters are able to drop-off their ballots in a safe and secure manner.
Poll shows overwhelming support for a variety of options to prove identity when voting absentee
80% of Georgians across party lines support allowing a variety of options to prove identity when voting absentee, including listing a state issued driver’s license number, or last four digits of social security number.
A majority of Georgians disagree with mailing a photocopy of driver’s license, citing identity theft as a major concern.
71% believe that asking for a notarized ballot would put undue stress on the voter by requiring payment to participate in our democracy.
Air Force Veteran (1972-2000) and Jasper, GA native Barbara Ledom-Balducci stated, “As a United States Air Force veteran, I served to protect our democracy. That service included protecting the freedom to vote how we choose. But the proposals being considered by the state legislature will weaken the ability of Georgians to make that choice by drastically reducing early in-person and absentee voting. These changes won't restore trust — instead, taking away our voting options will only further undermine the integrity of our elections.”
###
About Secure Democracy
Secure Democracy works across the country to educate policymakers and the public about secure and fair elections. Secure Democracy advocates for common-sense steps that our elected leaders can take to safeguard our elections, because voting should be accessible to all eligible citizens—working families, military families, homebound seniors, students, and people in rural communities.