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Bill

Bill

SR 937

U.S. Department of Homeland Security and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement; refrain from immigration enforcement activity in the immediate vicinity of polling places and locations; urge

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Gail Davenport and 8 co-sponsors

Georgia urges federal ICE to avoid immigration enforcement near polling places during elections to prevent voter intimidation and ensure electoral participation.

Senate Read and Referred
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 937

Legislative bill overview

SR 937 is a non-binding resolution urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to refrain from conducting immigration enforcement activities in the immediate vicinity of polling places and their surrounding areas during elections. The resolution essentially requests federal agencies to maintain a buffer zone around voting locations to prevent immigration enforcement operations that could deter eligible voters from participating in elections.

Why is this important

This measure addresses concerns that immigration enforcement presence near polling places may intimidate or discourage eligible voters—particularly Hispanic and immigrant communities—from exercising their right to vote, even if those voters are citizens or legally authorized. The proximity of enforcement activities to voting locations creates a chilling effect on electoral participation, which directly impacts democratic participation rates and election outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal vs. state authority: The resolution asks federal agencies to adopt policies, raising questions about whether Georgia can effectively compel federal enforcement priorities or whether this overreaches state jurisdiction
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify what constitutes the "immediate vicinity" of polling places, which could create enforcement uncertainty and disputes over compliance
  • Election security vs. enforcement: Some argue that restricting enforcement near polling places could be exploited to shield undocumented immigrants from lawful detention, while others contend this is necessary to protect voting access

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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