WC Georgia News

ATLANTA (Feb. 16, 2024) – The Georgia Senate has passed Senate Bill 212, a measure sponsored by Sen. Max Burns (R–Sylvania), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. This legislation aims to relieve probate court judges from their responsibilities in conducting elections. Instead, newly established county boards of elections and registration will assume this crucial role. This move will impact approximately twenty-five counties across the state that currently rely on probate judges as elections superintendents.

Sen. Burns expressed his satisfaction with the passage of this bill, emphasizing the significance of this step towards fairer and more efficient elections. He stated, "The passing of Senate Bill 212 is a crucial advancement towards fairer and more efficient elections in our state. By transferring election responsibilities from probate court judges to county boards of election and registration, we guarantee a smoother process that maintains the integrity of our democracy. This legislation reflects our dedication to transparent governance and empowers community involvement within our electoral process. I was honored to lead the charge on this bill and am thankful for the bipartisan support it received. Together, we're laying the groundwork for a stronger, more inclusive democracy."

The bill will now be forwarded to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration. The full text of SB 212 can be accessed here.

Sen. Max Burns, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, represents the 23rd Senate District, which includes Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro, and Warren County, as well as portions of Columbia and Richmond County. He can be reached at 404.463.1376 or via email at max.burns@senate.ga.gov.