Georgia Federal Judge Denies Voter Registration Extension

A federal judge in Georgia, U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross, has denied requests from civil rights groups to extend the voter registration deadline due to disruptions caused by Hurricane Helene. Despite claims that the storm impeded registration efforts, Ross ruled that the plaintiffs did not sufficiently demonstrate harm to voters and that Georgia law does not permit extensions by state officials. Similar decisions were made in Florida, where U.S. District Judge Robert Hinkle also rejected an extension request amid the hurricane's impact. Both judges emphasized the need to maintain election integrity and noted that voters had ample opportunity to register before the storms. The rulings come at a critical time as the November elections approach, with advocacy groups expressing concern over voter access in affected areas.