summary
Introduced
02/16/2021
02/16/2021
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/04/2022
04/04/2022
Introduced Session
2021-2022 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To enact the Georgia Voting Rights Act; to amend Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to holidays and observances, so as to make primary and election days state holidays; to amend Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elections and primaries generally, so as to change the date of the nonpartisan election; to provide for same day voter registration and voting; to provide for funding for regular upgrades to voting equipment; to provide for the form of nonpartisan ballot; to change the period of advance voting; to provide for two hours time off for employees to vote; to provide for related matters; to amend Title 28 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the General Assembly, so as to prohibit the enactment of provisions that would change the duties or powers of elected officials between the time of their election and taking office; to establish the Georgia Voting Rights Commission; to provide for its composition, manner of appointment, powers, and duties; to provide for an independent Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office; to provide for its powers and duties; to provide for the manner and time for redistricting of congressional districts and House of Representatives and Senate districts; to provide a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, the Georgia Voting Rights Act, enacts several key provisions:
- It makes primary and election days state holidays, requiring the governor to close all state offices and facilities on those days.
- It changes the date of nonpartisan elections to be held in conjunction with the general election rather than a separate primary.
- It allows for same-day voter registration and voting on the day of a primary or election or during the advance voting period.
- It requires the state to provide regular upgrades to voting equipment and adequate funding for this purpose.
- It changes the format of the nonpartisan ballot to be included with the general election ballot.
- It extends the advance voting period and requires two hours of paid time off for employees to vote.
The bill also establishes the Georgia Voting Rights Commission to provide oversight and guidance on voting issues, and creates an independent Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office to handle redistricting in a non-partisan manner. The bill aims to protect voting rights and improve election administration in Georgia.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (6)
Kimberly Alexander (D)*,
James Beverly (D)*,
Spencer Frye (D)*,
Scott Holcomb (D)*,
Wayne Howard (D)*,
Bee Nguyen (D)*,
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 02/18/2021)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20212022/197752 |
| Bill | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/59731 |
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