Georgia’s new voting law faces pressure from MLB, Fortune 500, civil rights activists

Protesters gather outside of the Georgia State Capitol to protest HB 531, which would place tougher restrictions on voting in Georgia, in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. March 4, 2021. Photo by REUTERS/Dustin Chambers/File Photo/File Photo

Major League Baseball announced on Friday that it would move this year’s All-Star game and baseball draft out of Georgia. It came in response to the state’s new law that overhauls voting, one that critics argue is tantamount to voter suppression. Other big companies, including Delta Airlines and Coca-Cola, have called the new voting laws unacceptable after local civil rights groups pressured them to speak out against the legislation. 

More than 170 corporations — including Uber, Dow, and Estee Lauder — have signed a letter condemning the law and are urging lawmakers nationwide to protect voting rights. In response, some Republicans are calling for a boycott of these companies.