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Rep. Susan Wild, Rep. Nikema Williams Introduce Stay in Line to Vote Act

April 9, 2021

Would Explicitly Allow Food and Drink to be Provided to Voters While They Wait in Line to Vote

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S.Representative Susan Wild (PA-07) and U.S. Representative Nikema Williams (GA-05) introduced the Stay in Line to Vote Act, legislation that would explicitly allow food and drink to be provided to voters while they wait in line at polling places. Last month, legislators in Georgia passed a restrictive voting law that placed new obstacles between voters and their right to vote, including a provision that makes it a crime to provide food or drink - even water - to people waiting in line to vote. The Stay in Line to Vote Act would provide a basic level of support to voters as they wait to cast their ballot, especially in areas where long lines can deter voting.

"Georgia may be the first Republican-controlled state legislature to restrict access to the ballot in response to last year's voter turnout, but it will not be the last," said Rep. Wild. "There's nothing more sacred in a democracy than the right to vote, and sustenance like food or water could be the difference between one's ability to stay in line and exercise the right to vote or needing to leave without being able to vote. I'm proud to partner with my friend, Representative Nikema Williams, to introduce the Stay in Line to Vote Act and protect access to the ballot box."

"Georgians are no stranger to voter suppression tactics, but to criminalize giving food and water to people simply exercising their democratic right to vote is cruel and inhumane," said Rep. Williams. "During the last election, Georgians battled hours-long lines to vote and having basic sustenance was often enough to keep voters in line. SB 202 being signed into law in Georgia, and similar bills being debated in state legislatures across the country are proof that the battle for voting rights is not over. I am proud to sponsor this legislation with Congresswoman Wild to stop these attempts to turn back the clock on progress and work to prevent the enactment of Jim Crow 2.0 laws meant to silence the voices of the people."

During the 2020 elections, voters across the country, including in Pennsylvania's 7th District, were forced to wait for hours to vote. Too often, these extremely long wait times disproportionately occur in areas with many voters of color. Civic engagement should be celebrated and encouraged, not crushed by restrictive, unnecessary laws that will disproportionately affect voters of color. This legislation will support equal access to the ballot and counter voter suppression efforts that are occurring across the United States.

Text of the bill is available HERE.

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