MEMPHIS, Tennessee —
This is no surprise. But it is disappointing. Tennessee lawmakers have given a resounding thumbs down to expanding absentee voting this year because of the coronavirus. Republicans, who enjoy a supermajority in legislature, have no interest in giving more Tennesseans the ability to vote in August and November elections – without having to show up at the polls.
State Senator Katrina Robinson of Memphis, who is a registered nurse, introduced the bill as a way to keep people safe from COVID-19 – and still take part in the elections.
But a Senate committee Tuesday rejected her bill by a 6 to 2 vote, which means it’s all but dead this year – which really is the only year that matters. The decision is somewhat baffling since a federal election crisis task force, which is chaired by a Republican, is recommending that states accommodate more absentee voting. Plus, nearly one and a half million Tennesseans over 60 are already allowed to vote absentee for any reason.
But really, this is not baffling at all. Republican leaders in this state don’t want to make it easier to vote this year – which before the virus was projected to produce a monumental turnout for the November presidential election.
Despite what they say, Republicans know it’s in their political interest to keep turnout low. Now, if there is to be expanded absentee voting, it will have to come – through the courts.
And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.