The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has decided to drop its lawsuit challenging Georgia’s 2021 election law, Senate Bill 202, which had been previously filed under the Biden administration. The lawsuit accused Georgia of voter suppression, alleging that the law disproportionately affected Black voters.
Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed the DOJ to dismiss the case, calling the claims of voter suppression politically motivated and unsupported by evidence. Bondi highlighted that Black voter turnout in Georgia had actually increased, which she argued disproved the allegations.
Georgia officials, including Governor Brian Kemp and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, celebrated the decision, framing it as a victory for election integrity. They pointed to Georgia’s record voter turnout as evidence that the law does not restrict voting access.
On the other hand, civil rights organizations and voting advocacy groups criticized the DOJ’s move, vowing to continue challenging the law in court. They argued that provisions such as stricter voter ID requirements for mail-in ballots and restrictions on ballot drop boxes could still harm marginalized communities.
The DOJ’s decision reflects a shift in policy under the Trump administration, which has reversed several legal positions from the previous administration, particularly in the area of voting rights.
