Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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This bill statutorily authorizes the Georgia Secretary of State to designate filing dates/periods for those running in special elections to fill a vacated seat for federal and state office and local election superintendents to set the qualifying dates for those running for county office. It also addresses the dates by which persons may register to vote in special elections. Among other provisions in this bill, very concerning to ACCG is that it would now require "special primaries" for special elections to fill vacated state legislative seats. This adds another election round that counties must fund in the special election process. Additionally, it draws out the election, prolonging the filling of a legislative vacancy and leaving the county unrepresented longer at the General Assembly. ACCG believes that if the state wants to add another round of elections, particularly for state legislative seats, then the state should pay for it. |
