Over a thousand double voting cases are under investigation, adding to Georgia’s ongoing election struggles. Let’s take a closer look.

What Happened:

Just days after Trump suggested that North Carolina residents vote twice in the upcoming election, Georgia has launched an investigation into approximately 1,000 cases of double voting during its June primary and August runoff elections. 

The scenario that unfolded in Georgia parallels what Trump described: voting by mail and then heading to the polls to vote in person. 

Georgia’s Secretary of State, Brad Raffensperger, is seeking to prosecute alleged double voters to the full extent of the law. The illegal election practice is a felony that can carry up to ten years in prison and $100,000 in fines. 

Why it Matters:

Trump’s False Claims of Voter Fraud

The irony that Trump advocated for a form of voter fraud while actively questioning and bashing U.S. election integrity will likely be lost on him and his core supporters. 

His voter fraud narrative has shifted from illegal immigrants to targeting mail-in voting, which will be critical for an election during a pandemic. Instances of large-scale voter fraud have been repeatedly debunked, and a recent occurrence in Paterson, New Jersey was quickly detected. 

Election Confusion

Mixed messaging from Trump and Republican lawmakers, as well as precinct closures and undelivered absentee ballots, have created a confusing election environment in Georgia that borders on voter suppression. Many voters waited hours in line at polling stations during the June primary, especially in more urban and diverse districts. 

Despite the state’s documented fumbles, Georgia’s double voting law does not have to consider intentionality in pressing charges, raising questions about the genuineness of the investigation.