Discussion Forum 3 — Mark Robinson’s Testimony on Georgia’s Election Integrity Act (2021)

Discussion Forum 3 Instructions

Discussion Forum 3 must be at least 250 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge.

Watch: Dems Go Berserk When First Black NC Lt Gov Tells Them It’s ‘Insulting’ to Say Black People Can’t Get Free ID to Vote

Read the article above. Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson of North Carolina testified at a Congressional hearing concerning the adoption of The Election Integrity Act of 2021 and the response by some to this law in Georgia. Discuss what the Lt. Gov. stated. Discuss the reaction as best you can of the members of the committee. What is your informed opinion on this topic? Has Lt. Gov’s testimony impacted your opinion concerning this topic and the narratives surrounding the issue as a whole?

This discussion centers on the selected topic from the Article. Students’ responses are to be thought-provoking and further the conversation- they are more than “I agree” or “I disagree”. The student is expected to provide quality insight by citing and documenting references, and related information to personal experience, meet the word limit requirements to demonstrate an understanding of the topic, and provide original thought in the posts. Cutting and pasting from the textbook or websites or responding with limited substance will receive a significantly reduced grade. As with all activities in this class, quality counts, and the discussions are meant to make students reflect and learn. Your answer is mostly your opinion based on the facts or information within the videos. This is a critical issue in today’s society, so thoughtfully consider your ideas and views.  Using the sources provided in the text above and the information learned in this class, support your chosen position.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1 — Get oriented (5–10 min).

• Skim the Western Journal piece to see the claims highlighted.

• Then open at least one primary source to anchor your summary:

  • Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s written testimony to Congress (House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties, Apr. 22, 2021). GovInfo

  • The actual text of Georgia’s “Election Integrity Act of 2021” (SB 202). legis.ga.gov

Step 2 — Draft a focused thesis (1–2 sentences).
Choose a stance that responds to the prompt, e.g.:

• “Robinson argues voter-ID and related measures are common-sense and non-discriminatory; committee reactions reveal deep partisan disagreement. After comparing SB 202’s provisions with federal critiques, I find ___.”
  Keep it specific and preview your reasons.

Step 3 — Structure your 250+ word post.

• Hook & context (2–3 sentences): One line on why Georgia passed SB 202 (post-2020 reforms) and that Robinson testified to Congress in April 2021. electionlab.mit.eduGovInfo

• What Robinson stated (4–6 sentences): Summarize his core claims in your own words (e.g., voter-ID as reasonable; objections demean Black voters’ agency; focus on election confidence). Paraphrase carefully and attribute to his testimony. GovInfo

• Committee reaction (3–5 sentences): Note contrasting lines of questioning from members (civil-rights concerns vs. integrity arguments). Support with at least one reliable analysis or hearing record you review. GovInfo

• Your informed opinion (5–7 sentences):

  • Compare a few concrete SB 202 provisions (drop boxes, absentee ID, food/water near lines, early voting schedule) with evidence from diverse sources (e.g., DOJ filings, state guidance, nonpartisan/academic studies). Department of Justice+1Georgia Secretary of Stateelectionlab.mit.edu

  • Explain whether Robinson’s testimony did or did not shift your view, and why.

• Conclusion (1–2 sentences): Tie back to your thesis and propose one constructive reform or question for classmates.

Step 4 — Use evidence responsibly.

• Primary: Robinson’s testimony; SB 202 statutory text. GovInfolegis.ga.gov

• Government/legal: DOJ complaint summarizing disputed SB 202 provisions; ongoing case materials. Department of Justice+2Department of Justice+2

• State sources: Georgia Secretary of State FAQs and poll-official guidance for how SB 202 is implemented. Georgia Secretary of StateGeorgia Poll Workers

• Research/analysis: MIT Election Lab report on SB 202’s effects in 2022; balanced explainers/fact-checks for specific claims. electionlab.mit.eduPolitiFact+1
  Aim for 2–4 citations in-text; list full links at the end (see “Resources”).

Step 5 — Paragraph-by-paragraph template (you can copy-paste):

1. Intro/Thesis: 2–3 sentences setting context + your claim.

2. Robinson’s Position: 4–6 sentences paraphrasing his major points with citation to the hearing record. GovInfo

3. Committee Reaction: 3–5 sentences identifying contrasting concerns (rights vs. integrity), citing the hearing. GovInfo

4. Evaluation & Opinion: 5–7 sentences comparing SB 202 provisions with at least two sources (e.g., DOJ and GA SOS or an academic study). Department of JusticeGeorgia Secretary of Stateelectionlab.mit.edu

5. Conclusion: 1–2 sentences reflecting on whether Robinson’s testimony changed your view and why.

Step 6 — Sentence starters (use and adapt):

• “According to Robinson’s testimony to the House Judiciary Subcommittee (Apr. 22, 2021), …” GovInfo

• “SB 202, as enacted, provides that … (see bill text).” legis.ga.gov

• “The DOJ’s complaint argues that provisions on ___ were enacted with a discriminatory purpose.” Department of Justice

• “Georgia’s own guidance for voters/poll workers indicates …” Georgia Secretary of StateGeorgia Poll Workers

• “An academic study of 2022 Georgia voters finds …” electionlab.mit.edu

Step 7 — Quality checklist before posting:

• 250+ words, original analysis (no copying).

• Clear thesis and logical flow.

• At least 2–4 citations to credible, diverse sources (primary + analysis).

• Tone: respectful, analytical, grounded in course concepts.

• End with a discussion question to invite replies.

Recommended resource links (diverse viewpoints & primary docs):

• Western Journal article referenced in the prompt (for context from the assignment).

• Official hearing record including Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s written testimony (House Judiciary Subcommittee, Apr. 22, 2021). GovInfo

• Full text of Georgia’s Election Integrity Act of 2021 (SB 202). legis.ga.gov

• U.S. Department of Justice press release and complaint United States v. Georgia (Section 2 VRA challenge to SB 202). Department of Justice+1

• Georgia Secretary of State Elections FAQ (state guidance to voters). Georgia Secretary of State

• Georgia SOS SB 202 Impacts on Poll Officials (implementation details). Georgia Poll Workers

• MIT Election Lab report: Gauging the Effects of SB 202 on Voting in Georgia (methodology & findings). electionlab.mit.edu

• PolitiFact explainers on SB 202 provisions (e.g., food/water near polling places; absentee ID). PolitiFact+1

• Brennan Center backgrounders on state voting laws (critical perspective). Brennan Center for Justice

• Heritage Foundation commentaries on Georgia’s law (supportive perspective).

 

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