Gov. Kemp Signs Controversial Bill Making some Metro Atlanta Races Nonpartisan
The law removes party labels from local ballots in five counties, and critics say it could help Republicans in Democratic-leaning areas.
- On Tuesday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed House Bill 369, requiring nonpartisan elections for local officials in five major metro Atlanta counties—Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Clayton—beginning in 2028.
- During the final legislative session days, lawmakers "gutted and replaced" the original food-truck bill with election language. State Sen. John Albers, the bill's sponsor, claimed the change promotes public safety by removing political considerations.
- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis pledged to challenge the law, calling it "clearly unconstitutional" and arguing it targets Democratic-leaning counties and Black female officials.
- Critics note the law applies to only 5 of Georgia's 159 counties, questioning its fairness; taxpayers will bear court-defense costs as officials warn the move weakens voter transparency and accountability.
- Commissioner Erick Allen compared the bill to the 1917 county unit system, which diluted populous counties' power until struck down in the 1960s. Moving elections to May could reduce voter turnout versus November general elections.
24 Articles
24 Articles
The Toronto Star
Fani Willis vows to sue over new Georgia law that removes party labels in Atlanta-area elections
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law requiring nonpartisan elections for most local officials in the five most populous counties in the Atlanta area, leading Fulton County
GA Gov Makes Major Blue Counties' Races Nonpartisan
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports: Gov. Brian Kemp signed a law Tuesday that makes most local races in five heavily Democratic metro Atlanta counties nonpartisan, embracing a Republican-backed effort that could boost the party’s chances in deep-blue areas while weakening one of its chief targets: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The law applies to district attorneys, county commissioners and other elected officials in Clayton,…
Cupid urges Kemp to veto bill ending partisan local elections
MARIETTA — Before the clock runs out, Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and other county leaders called on Gov. Brian Kemp to veto a bill that would end partisan elections in Cobb and four other nearby counties.
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