Civil rights groups have taken legal action against Georgia in an attempt to extend the voter registration deadline by a week due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. The lawsuit, filed in federal court by a coalition of civil rights organizations, argues that the hurricane's landfall just days before a crucial week leading up to the October 7 deadline disrupted the registration process.
The attorneys representing the groups claim that the widespread disruptions and devastation caused by Hurricane Helene likely prevented tens of thousands of Georgia residents from registering to vote on time. Factors such as lack of internet access, travel restrictions, limited postal services, and non-operational county election offices were cited as reasons for the registration challenges.
The civil rights groups are seeking an extension of the voter registration deadline until the following Monday to accommodate those affected by the hurricane. The lawsuit has prompted inquiries to Georgia Republican Governor Brian Kemp's office for a response.
Similar efforts have been made in Florida, where voting rights advocates have urged Governor Ron DeSantis to extend the voter registration deadline, which recently passed. They cited the impact of Hurricane Helene and the impending Hurricane Milton, expected to affect the Tampa Bay area in the coming days.
