Georgia House Bill HB2

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/13/22

Caption

Primaries and elections; advanced voting; runoffs; provisions

Impact

The changes proposed in HB2 are expected to significantly affect election administration in Georgia by streamlining the process of advance voting. Voters will benefit from increased access to advance voting locations and extended hours for voting activities. This may enhance voter turnout, particularly among those who may find it challenging to vote on traditional election days. By mandating reasonable notice of voting times and locations, the bill intends to ensure that residents are well-informed, which could further contribute to higher participation rates in elections.

Summary

House Bill 2 (HB2) focuses on amending Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, specifically targeting the procedures surrounding primaries and elections. The bill aims to extend the period for mandatory advance voting, which allows voters greater access to participate in elections. It outlines detailed provisions for when and how advance voting can occur, extending the availability of voting to certain weekends prior to an election or runoff, thereby ensuring that voters have more opportunities to cast their ballots at their convenience.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, HB2 also raises points of contention among various stakeholders. Advocates for voter access generally support the bill for its potential to improve the democratic process by making voting more accessible. However, some critics express concerns regarding the potential for increased administrative burdens on local election officials. There may also be debates around how effectively the new measures address issues of voter suppression versus the need for election security, with some groups advocating for more robust safeguards wherever such access is increased.