MEMPHIS, Tennessee —
Thursday was a rough day for Governor Bill Lee and his fellow Republicans in Tennessee Courts. It began in the morning when the state Supreme Court refused to intervene in legal proceedings challenging Lee’s controversial school voucher law. And it ended late in the day – when a judge ordered an expansion of absentee voting for upcoming elections.
You may recall that a Davidson County Chancellor ruled last month that the voucher law was unconstitutional because it only applies to students in Davidson and Shelby County. Lee’s administration immediately took the case to the state court of appeals – and asked for an expedited hearing. But the appellate court said no. And set a hearing for early August. The governor then decided to try his luck with the Supreme Court. And yesterday, that luck ran out.
As for expanding absentee voting, Lee and host of Republicans – including secretary of state Tre Hargett – strongly oppose it – despite valid arguments that allowing more people to vote by mail this year would help reduce the spread of the coronavirus. A second Davidson County Chancellor agrees with that. And last night, she ordered the state to give any registered voter the option of casting a ballot this year by mail.
Both of these cases were losers from the beginning. And the rulings – so far – are embarrassing for the governor. But they are huge victories for fairness – and equal access. And that’s my point of view. I’m Otis Sanford, for Local 24 News.