Nearly two years ago, Georgia lawmakers rewrote state election laws after former President Donald Trump contested his 2020 loss. That led to one of the most contentious legislative clashes in recent state history. Now, another fraught debate over voting rights rules is brewing.
On Wednesday, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger became the most prominent voice yet to join the chorus of officials, activists and voters who want to end the use of runoff contests following general elections.
Though the Republican wouldn’t endorse how he would replace the system, he’s suggested lawmakers could lower the threshold for a candidate to win to 45% or institute a ranked-choice voting system.
The latter idea is a no-go with many senior Republican officials, who worry the rounds of retabulating votes could place a heavier burden on local elections officials. But Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders, who would have to sign off on the change, have been tight-lippedabout other proposals.