WK2Assgn.MUSICK

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1 Practicing Policy Review Andrea J. Musick, LBSW Master of Social Work, Walden University SOCW 6361A: Social Policy: Analysis and Advocacy Dr. Linda F. Samuel October 9, 2022

2 Practicing Policy Review This paper deals with the Election Integrity Act of 2021, a Georgia State Act dealing with the disparities in voting abilities, oversight of election procedures, and the State’s attempt at uniformity in voting for its citizens. This act came about after the discovery of significant voter confidence. It was touted as a way of addressing issues occurring on both party lines, specifically concerns and problems for people who are effecting being suppressed from their fundamental right to vote. Although this oppression happens across socioeconomic and racial lines, it disproportionately negatively affects people of color. Addressing the Problem of Voter Suppression The Election Integrity Act of 2021 claims to address issues of voter suppression. The Act reads to show a widespread overhaul of Georgia’s prior voting regulations which were inhibiting people, specifically people of color, from being able to vote. Voter suppression is an issue for social workers as we are called to help people address social problems, fight injustice, and respect the dignity and worth of all people (National Association of Social Workers, 2022). A positive within the policy is ways for citizens to address corruption and/or suppression with the implementation of hotlines, as well as strengthened oversight of election officials which defines specifically the roles of State officials. This issue is not only a problem generally, but it is a social work problem as it limits the way that people of color and all people are able to impact and affect their environment by voting for officials that promote and stand for issues that directly affect them and their lives. As social workers, it is our duty to fight these systems of oppression from the lens of social justice. Macro social work skills are invaluable when it comes to engaging a community, mobilizing citizens, and organizing efforts to create policy changes. Community organizing, community engagement, facilitation, and assessments are all paramount

3 to advocacy toward policy change and are part of the specific skill set taught to generalist social work practitioners (Brown & Stalker, 2022). Defining the Problem A lack of voter confidence paved the way for the Election Integrity Act and changes to the way voting would be conducted in Georgia which was evident by suits filed and mass public complaints ( Election Integrity Act , 2021). All citizens have the right to vote in the hopes of electing officials who share their values and goals for their communities that will affect them, their environment, and their communities. What seems lacking in the definition is the admitting that these restrictions are negatively impacting people of color predominantly and instead cloaking it as “uniformity in voting” and “lack of voter confidence” ( Election Integrity Act , 2021). Target Population Research shows that state voting regulations often negatively affect people of color at a disproportionately alarming rate. Historically, people of color vote more often on Sundays than other voters ( Brennan Center for Justice , 2022). This is created due to people of color having work schedules and jobs that require them to work long hours, including Saturdays, and leaving only Sundays to vote. This is indicative of a more significant, systemic issue affecting people of color. This form of racism is systemic and structural, preventing equitability in access to voting by people of color and a form of racism (Braveman et al., 2022). Supporters touted the policy as a way to correct some of the issues by extending Sunday voting, adding Saturdays, and opening drop boxes for absentee ballots ( Election Integrity Act , 2021).

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4 Changes Needed to the Policy Overall, the bill looks at its cover to curb voter suppression and fraud generally; however, it lacks substance when you delve deeper into the effects of its policies. When delving deeper, you see that the majority party is allowed to appoint officials without the oversight of the Secretary of State, and local election officials (also set) are given significant unilateral control over procedures. Likewise, the policy prevents additional funding to more deprived areas and prevents help with absentee ballots and handing out provisions such as food and water for long wait lines, as seen by people of color when at balloting locations ( Brennan Center for Justice , 2022). As an example, the policy states that broad discretion previously allowed to election officials led to too many variations on voting times and, therefore, required two Saturday voting days and two optional Sundays. It allowed local, appointed officials to decide when these days would be and limit the hours to where it was still harmful to voters of color. On its face, the policy is making grand, positive changes. However, when you read further and research the opposition, you see that it is still very much voter oppression and strengthening barriers to voting for people of color ( Election Integrity Act , 2021). Many changes need to be made to the bill as it is currently prescribed. Overall, voters need easier access to vote, which means set hours throughout the state that affords weekend voting and weekday voting hours that go beyond 5:00 p.m. so that people who work can participate. Communities with more significant disparities in funding should be allowed to receive more funds to provide equitability and access. People of color are disproportionately affected by voter suppression laws. Research has shown that lack of appropriate election management, broad limitations on who can vote, and restrictions to voting times negatively impact voters of color at a much higher rate than white

5 voters ("Impact of Voter Suppression on Communities of Color," 2022). Although policies like the one discussed read to be very positive for all, they negatively impact people of color and those with barriers to access to voting. It is essential to not only read the text of a policy but put in the effort to research what the consequences could be or have been. What seems too good to be true often is.

6 References Braveman, P. A., Arkin, E., Proctor, D., Kauh, T., & Holm, N. (2022). Systemic and structural racism: Definitions, examples, health damages, and approaches to dismantling. Health Affairs , 41 (2), 171-178. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01394 (2022). Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org Brown, M., & Stalker, K. (2022). Social work skills for community practice: Applied macro social work . Election Integrity Act . (2021). Georgia General Assembly. https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59827 The Foundation for Government Accountability. (2021, October 6). Georgia Election Integrity Act of 2021 . https://thefga.org/ The Impact of Voter Suppression on Communities of Color . (2022, January 10). Brennan Center for Justice. https://www.brennancenter.org National Association of Social Workers. (2022). Social Work Code of Ethics . A Field Guide for Science Writers. https://www.nasw.org

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