Georgia Residents Urge Governor Kemp to Veto Partisan Election Bill

Critics argue the proposed changes would confuse voters and unfairly target a few metro Atlanta counties.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:56am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A quiet, cinematic painting of the Georgia state capitol building in warm, golden sunlight, with a lone figure standing in front of the entrance, conveying a sense of political tension and uncertainty.As Georgia lawmakers push partisan election changes, the state capitol building stands as a symbol of the ongoing political battles over voting rights and electoral reform.Atlanta Today

Groups across Georgia are ramping up pressure on Gov. Brian Kemp to veto multiple bills, including Senate Bill 369 which would make certain local elections nonpartisan in five metro Atlanta counties. Opponents argue the bill would make elections more confusing and could shift outcomes by changing what voters see on the ballot. Metro Atlanta district attorneys have also criticized the bill as unconstitutional, and some say they are prepared to take legal action if Kemp signs it into law.

Why it matters

The debate over SB 369 highlights the ongoing tensions around partisan politics in local elections and the power of the governor to shape the state's electoral landscape through the veto process. The outcome could have significant implications for voter engagement and representation in Georgia's most populous region.

The details

SB 369 would remove party labels from the ballot in races such as district attorney, county commission and tax commissioner in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Clayton and Cobb counties, with the changes taking effect in 2028. Supporters say this would reduce partisanship, but critics argue it would confuse voters and potentially shift electoral outcomes. Metro Atlanta district attorneys, including Fulton County's Fani Willis and DeKalb County's Sherry Boston, have criticized the bill as unconstitutional and said they are prepared to take legal action if it becomes law.

  • The Georgia legislative session is currently underway and Gov. Kemp has about 40 days after the session ends to sign or veto legislation.
  • SB 369 would take effect in 2028 if signed into law.

The players

Gov. Brian Kemp

The governor of Georgia who has the power to sign or veto bills passed by the state legislature.

Fani Willis

The Fulton County District Attorney who has criticized SB 369 as unconstitutional.

Sherry Boston

The DeKalb County District Attorney who has said she is prepared to take legal action if SB 369 becomes law.

Gerald Rose

A Cobb County voter and founder of the New Order National Human Rights Organization, who opposes SB 369.

Mshawi Ikner

A DeKalb County voter who argues SB 369 unfairly targets a small number of counties.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The voters are being very confused on that. That's why we want him to veto this bill.”

— Gerald Rose, Cobb County voter and founder of New Order National Human Rights Organization

“To me it's discrimination. One hundred and fifty-nine counties, you got five counties you just targeting.”

— Mshawi Ikner, DeKalb County voter

“The legislature said, 'No, we don't want to ask the people. We want to do it our way.' Says a lot.”

— Staci Fox, Georgia Budget and Policy Institute

What’s next

Kemp has about 40 days after the legislative session ends to decide whether to sign or veto SB 369. If he takes no action, the bill would become law without his signature. Opponents say they are prepared to challenge the measure in court if it is enacted.

The takeaway

The debate over SB 369 highlights the ongoing tensions around partisan politics in local elections and the power of the governor to shape the state's electoral landscape. The outcome could have significant implications for voter engagement and representation in Georgia's most populous region, with critics arguing the bill would confuse voters and unfairly target a few metro Atlanta counties.