Review Chapter 7 of the Jansson text as needed.
Review the assigned Georgia voting policy, Election Integrity Act of 2021, from the Learning Resources this week.
You will use this policy to familiarize yourself with the structure of policy documents and the process for policy analysisan important foundation before you begin your own policy search. Next week, you will select a local or state policy related to the social problem you identified.
Review the Policy Selection Process document in the Learning Resources this week. This document outlines the search for and selection of the Election Integrity Act of 2021you will need to follow a similar process for your own region or state to complete your Assignment next week.
Identify the social problem(s) addressed in the policy.
Select an excerpt from the policy that you would changethis could be a small change, like an addition, or a large change, like a complete revision or removalto better alleviate the social problem. https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59827
Submit a 2page paper that addresses the following: APA FORMAT
Describe the social problem(s) addressed in the policy.
Which areas in the policy indicated the social problem(s) to you?
Why, as a social worker, should you be concerned with the problem(s)?
Are there other problem(s) not directly identified that might be impacted, positively or adversely, by the policy?
Which population(s) is/are impacted by the problem?
What is the relationship between the social problem(s) and the population(s)? In other words, why are some people impacted by the problem(s) when others are not?
How is/are the population(s) taken into consideration in the policy?
Summarize the excerpt from the policy that you identified as needing change.
What are the strengths of this excerpt in helping to alleviate the social problem? If you do not see any strengths, that is okayexplain why.
What are the limitations of this excerpt in helping to alleviate the social problem(s) for the population(s)?
What specific changes would you make to the excerpt to alleviate the social problem(s) for the population(s)? You can describe the changes or quote direct policy language you would change.
Policy Analysis of the Georgia Election Integrity Act of 2021
Introduction
The Georgia Election Integrity Act of 2021 aims to address several critical issues related to electoral processes and integrity. As a social worker, understanding the implications of such policies is paramount, as they directly affect the communities we serve. This paper will analyze the social problems targeted by the policy, the specific population affected, and propose changes to improve its efficacy in addressing these social issues.
Social Problems Addressed in the Policy
The Election Integrity Act of 2021 primarily addresses concerns over voter fraud, voter access, and overall electoral integrity. The policy aims to ensure that elections are conducted fairly while simultaneously addressing allegations of widespread voter fraud that surfaced during the 2020 elections.
Indications of Social Problems in the Policy
The policy includes provisions that restrict access to ballot drop boxes, impose stricter voter ID requirements, and limit early voting periods. These measures indicate a social problem related to voter suppression, particularly affecting marginalized communities who may lack access to transportation or time off work to vote.
Concern as a Social Worker
As social workers, we must be concerned with these issues because they pertain to the fundamental rights of individuals to participate in democracy. Voter suppression disproportionately affects low-income individuals, people of color, and those with disabilities—populations we often advocate for. Ensuring equitable access to voting is crucial for empowering these communities and addressing systemic inequalities.
Other Potential Problems
While the policy aims to tackle voter fraud, it inadvertently raises other issues such as disenfranchisement. For instance, the stricter ID requirements may lead to eligible voters being turned away at polling places if they do not possess the required identification. This could lead to a significant decrease in voter turnout among disadvantaged groups.
Impacted Populations
The populations most impacted by these social problems include low-income individuals, communities of color, and individuals with disabilities. These groups often face barriers such as transportation issues, limited resources for obtaining voter ID, and fewer opportunities to vote due to work constraints.
Relationship Between Social Problems and Populations
The relationship between the identified social problems and these populations is one of systemic inequality. Some individuals face obstacles that make it difficult for them to exercise their voting rights, while others do not encounter such barriers. This disparity underscores the need for policies that consider the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Consideration of Populations in the Policy
The Georgia Election Integrity Act does include some provisions aimed at improving election security; however, it largely overlooks the specific needs of vulnerable populations. For instance, while it mandates certain forms of identification for voting, it does not provide adequate resources or support for those who may struggle to obtain these IDs.
Excerpt Needing Change
One excerpt from the policy that requires change is the provision that narrows the timeframe for early voting and limits the number of ballot drop boxes available statewide.
Strengths of the Excerpt
One strength of this excerpt is its intent to enhance security and integrity in the electoral process. By regulating how ballots can be cast, it seeks to minimize opportunities for fraud.
Limitations of the Excerpt
However, the limitations are significant. Reducing early voting hours and drop boxes directly impacts voter accessibility, disproportionately affecting marginalized populations who may not have flexible work schedules or reliable transportation options.
Proposed Changes
To alleviate these social problems, I propose expanding early voting hours back to previous levels and increasing the number of ballot drop boxes in low-income neighborhoods.
Suggested Policy Language Change
For instance, I would amend the excerpt as follows:
“Early voting shall be available for a minimum of 15 days prior to an election, with at least one drop box available per 10,000 registered voters in each county.”
This change would enhance accessibility and ensure that all eligible voters can participate in elections without undue hardship.
Conclusion
The Georgia Election Integrity Act of 2021 addresses important issues regarding electoral integrity but also raises significant concerns about voter suppression among marginalized populations. As social workers, it is our responsibility to advocate for equitable policies that ensure all individuals can exercise their right to vote. By proposing actionable changes to the legislation, we can contribute to a more inclusive democratic process that benefits everyone.
References
- Georgia General Assembly. (2021). Election Integrity Act of 2021. Retrieved from https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59827