Former President Jimmy Carter recently made headlines when he cast his vote in the 2020 presidential election thanks to the GOP’s least favorite law. Carter, who served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981, has been a vocal advocate for voting rights throughout his career and continues to be an active participant in the democratic process.
Carter, who is now 96 years old, voted absentee in the election due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In Georgia, where he resides, voters have the option to request an absentee ballot without providing a reason, thanks to a law passed by the state’s Republican-controlled legislature in 2005. This law, known as “no-excuse” absentee voting, allows any registered voter in Georgia to vote by mail without having to provide a specific reason for doing so.
The GOP has been fiercely critical of absentee voting in recent years, claiming that it opens the door to voter fraud. President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans have repeatedly made baseless claims about widespread voter fraud in the United States, particularly in relation to mail-in voting. Despite these claims, there is no evidence to suggest that absentee voting leads to significant voter fraud.
Carter’s decision to vote absentee in the 2020 election highlights the importance of protecting and expanding voting rights for all Americans. As a former president who has witnessed the power of the democratic process firsthand, Carter understands the importance of ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to cast their ballot.
In a statement released after casting his vote, Carter emphasized the need for all Americans to participate in the electoral process. “It’s important for all Americans to make their voices heard in this election,” he said. “I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote, whether it be in person or by mail.”
Carter’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of voting rights and the need to protect and expand access to the ballot box for all Americans. Despite efforts by some to restrict voting rights, it is crucial that we continue to fight for a fair and inclusive electoral system that allows every citizen to have a say in the future of our country.