Aflac Takes Stand on Voting Legislation in Georgia

Aflac Inc. is one of the big, Georgia-based companies that has issued a statement about a Georgia voting rule bill.

The Columbus, Georgia-based insurer says in the statement, which was issued last week, that it “will only support solutions that make voting easy and accessible for every eligible voter while maintaining the security and transparency of the voting process.”

“As legislators in Georgia continue to debate these issues, we will remain actively involved in the process to influence positive results that are aligned with Aflac’s long history of supporting fairness and justice,” Aflac says. “Aflac will not support legislation that fails to accomplish these goals.”

Teresa White, president of Aflac U.S., said in a message to the company’s employees that Aflac is working with Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Metro Atlanta Chamber of influence positive results.

“One of the strongest things about Aflac’s culture, and one that I am immensely proud of, is how we come together to create opportunities for everyone,” White said. “For our policyholders, our independent agents, the businesses we serve and for you, our employees, we stand on the side of fairness.”

The New Georgia Project and other groups in Georgia have been organizing opposition to SB 202, a state voting rule bill that would set identification standards for voters and forbid civic groups from providing food or snacks for voters who were waiting in line to vote. The bill would also limit use of early voting.

SB 202 is an amended version of an earlier voting rules bill, HB 531.

Stacey Abrams, a former Georgia Democratic candidate for governor, has called for business leaders to oppose the voting restrictions. “It is critical the business community stand up for our democracy and denounce ongoing efforts to roll back the clock on voting rights,” Abrams tweeted March 10.

Some Twitter users responded with tweets urging Aflac to oppose the Georgia voting rules bill.

The New Georgia Project has put up billboards asking Home Depot and Coca-Cola to oppose the bill. Both companies put out statements saying they support having elections that promote broad voter participation.

Another company, Salesforce, tweeted, “A person’s right to cast their ballot is the foundation of our democracy. Georgia HB 531 would limit trustworthy, safe & equal access to voting by restricting early voting & eliminating provisional ballots. That’s why Salesforce opposes HB 531 as it stands.”

Stacey Abrams (Al Teich/Shutterstock)