(Ken Silva, Headline USA) Attorney General Merrick Garland said the quiet part out loud Sunday at an Alabama church, where bragged to the predominantly black congregation about his Justice Department blocking local attempts to crack down on voter fraud.
Garland told the congregation that “the right to vote is still under attack,” referencing states passing requirements for voters to prove their identity, residency and citizenship.
“We are challenging efforts by states and jurisdictions to implement discriminatory, burdensome and unnecessary restrictions on the ballot, including those related to mail-in voting, the use of drop boxes, and voter ID requirements,” he said.
Garland’s remarks were roundly criticized on Twitter, with some observers noting that the attorney general implicitly insulted the black community by suggesting that they can’t figure out how to obtain identification.
“Assuming that black people can’t get an ID is extremely racist,” said Trending Politics co-owner Collin Rugg.
“NEWSFLASH: Americans of all races want secure elections!” added the Center for Renewing America.
One user posted an interview where black voters scoff at the notion that they can’t obtain identification.
Merrick Garland tells black people that voter ID laws are discriminatory, burdensome, and unnecessary.
AG Garland assumes Black people have difficulty obtaining an ID
Is it Garland who is ignorant and racist?
Here’s what Black people had to say about this issue pic.twitter.com/HTCIbI7JyX
— Alec Lace (@AlecLace) March 3, 2024
Garland’s remarks came days after a federal court struck down an Arizona law that would have required voters to provide proof of residence on the grounds that such a requirement violates the National Voter Registration Act.
US District Judge Susan Bolton’s decision last Thursday followed a similar ruling in the same case last September, when she struck down proof-of-citizenship requirements for voters.
Ken Silva is a staff writer at Headline USA. Follow him at twitter.com/jd_cashless.
