News and analysis right to your inbox. Click to get Ballotpedia’s newsletters!

Laws governing local ballot measures in Georgia: Difference between revisions

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
No edit summary
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Local ballot law vnt}}{{tnr}}In Georgia, most local governments have an initiative process for local ballot measures. This article sets out the '''laws governing <u>local</u> ballot measures in Georgia'''. It explains:
{{Local ballot law vnt}}{{tnr}}


* Which local units of government make the initiative process available to residents.
This page describes the state constitutional provisions and statutes that govern local ballot measures in Georgia. Jurisdictions often establish additional rules within the parameters of state law; those can be found in local ordinances and home-rule charters.
* How and whether local units of government, including school districts, can refer local ballot measures (such as school bond propositions) to the ballot.
* An overview of [[laws governing recall in Georgia|laws governing local recall elections]].


==Types of local government==
<div style="font-size:1em; line-height: 1.4;">Explore the links below for more information:</div>
* [[#Law|Laws addressing local ballot measure powers in Georgia]]
* [[#General|General requirements for local ballot measures]]
* [[#Initiatives|Rules for citizen-initiated local ballot measures]]
* [[#Referrals|Rules for referred local ballot measures]]


{{Georgiatypeslocalgovt}}
==Law==
The Georgia Constitution and the Official Code of Georgia establish the rules that govern local ballot measures in the state.


==School districts==
* '''Constitution''': [[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2: Home Rule for Counties and Municipalities|Article IX, Section 2]]
:: ''See also: [[School bond and tax elections in Georgia]]''
* '''Statutes''': [https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=d32704f3-2129-448c-b575-efee1a1518fc&action=pawlinkdoc&pdcomponentid=&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FXW1-DYB7-W259-00008-00&pdtocnodeidentifier=ABKAADAAGAAE&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&ecomp=h2vckkk&prid=84b0e1f7-66c0-404a-9a2e-a2458fe088fc O.C.G. 36-35-3] and [https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=d7eb734d-a43b-4e52-896d-7fd55fcf636c&action=pawlinkdoc&pdcomponentid=&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FXW1-DYB7-W25F-00008-00&pdtocnodeidentifier=ABKAADAAGAAI&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&ecomp=h2vckkk&prid=cb2dae8a-d1a7-4cf8-b479-a169a4a29d4f O.C.G. 36-35-6]


In Georgia, the major provisions covering school bond and tax elections are protected by the Georgia Constitution. Georgia has a 20 mill levy limit protected by the state constitution. School districts can only have a referendum in order to exceed the levy limit or eliminate the levy itself. Also, Georgia funds capital outlays differently than other states using a county sales tax. The voters in a respective county can vote to approve an additional sales and use tax of one percent to fund school district capital outlays. Georgia allows capital outlays to be used for capital improvements to facilities and for retirement of all debts. A county can only use the sales tax for five years after the date it is first implemented.
==General==
The following outlines the general rules that govern local ballot measures in Georgia, including both citizen-initiated measures and referred measures from local government bodies.


==Local recall rules==
*'''Election timing''': In Georgia, election timing differs depending on the year the measure is placed on the ballot. If a local measure is approved for the ballot, the governing body of the municipality must call an election during the following times:<ref name=ocg21-2-540>[https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=995ab1a7-afcb-493e-9a7a-01e2132b28eb&nodeid=AAVAADAAQAAC&nodepath=%2FROOT%2FAAV%2FAAVAAD%2FAAVAADAAQ%2FAAVAADAAQAAC&level=4&haschildren=&populated=false&title=21-2-540.+Conduct+and+timing+of+special+primaries+and+special+elections+generally.&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6C0H-FM93-RSGB-74FJ-00008-00&ecomp=6gf59kk&prid=836c5c88-acde-4d8d-8a87-d6d7deb3e0ee ''Official Code of Georgia'', "O.C.G. 21-2-540," accessed December 1, 2025]</ref><ref name=ocg21-2-541>[https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=e8bf6eb0-8734-4bbb-8c7a-5e13fd6155ab&action=pawlinkdoc&pdcomponentid=&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FW71-DYB7-W329-00008-00&pdtocnodeidentifier=AAVAADAAQAAD&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&ecomp=h2vckkk&prid=995ab1a7-afcb-493e-9a7a-01e2132b28eb ''Official Code of Georgia'', "O.C.G. 21-2-541," accessed December 1, 2025]</ref>
** A general primary or election.
** In odd-numbered years, a special election on the third Tuesday in March or on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
** In even-numbered years, a special election on:
*** The date of the presidential preference primary.
*** The third Tuesday in March.
*** The date of the general primary.
*** The Tuesday after the first Monday in November.


Georgia law provides for the recall of all elected officials. The Constitution of the State of Georgia authorizes the General Assembly to "provide by general law for the recall of public officials who hold elective office." This provision is found in Article II, Section II, Paragraph IV.
* '''Vote requirements''': All local ballot measures in Georgia require a simple majority vote to be approved.<ref name=ocg36-35-3>[https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=d32704f3-2129-448c-b575-efee1a1518fc&action=pawlinkdoc&pdcomponentid=&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FXW1-DYB7-W259-00008-00&pdtocnodeidentifier=ABKAADAAGAAE&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&ecomp=h2vckkk&prid=84b0e1f7-66c0-404a-9a2e-a2458fe088fc ''Official Code of Georgia'', "O.C.G. 36-35-3," accessed December 1, 2025]</ref>
:: ''For additional detail, see: [[Laws governing recall in Georgia]]''


==Initiative process availability==
* '''Required ballot measures''':
{{lawshort}}
** [[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 5: Limitation on Local Debt|Article IX]] of the Georgia Constitution requires voter-approved ballot measures for:
{{Local I&R book nav}}
*** Issuing new bonds.
{{GeorgialocalI&Ravailability}}
*** Authorizing redevelopment plans using special financing or property tax reallocations.
*** Exempting ad valorem taxation.
** The Official Code of Georgia requires voter-approved ballot measures for:<ref name=ocg36-36-16>[https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=830bb3f8-1eef-45ae-a87e-5ec4cb7e7192&nodeid=ABKAADAAHAADAAC&nodepath=%2FROOT%2FABK%2FABKAAD%2FABKAADAAH%2FABKAADAAHAAD%2FABKAADAAHAADAAC&level=5&haschildren=&populated=false&title=36-36-16.+Procedures+for+annexation%3B+referendum.&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6FX9-9GV3-RRSN-31YH-00008-00&ecomp=6gf59kk&prid=959bbdee-a5cb-422b-b483-5be7fbdc85fc ''Official Code of Georgia'', "O.C.G. 36-36-16," accessed December 1, 2025]</ref><ref name=ocg36-36-58>[https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=1c5c4494-f2af-473a-af8c-649e81550c1c&nodeid=ABKAADAAHAAGAAK&nodepath=%2FROOT%2FABK%2FABKAAD%2FABKAADAAH%2FABKAADAAHAAG%2FABKAADAAHAAGAAK&level=5&haschildren=&populated=false&title=36-36-58.+Referendum+for+ratification+or+rejection+of+annexation+resolution+generally%3B+procedure%3B+subsequent+annexation+attempt.&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6348-FXW1-DYB7-W273-00008-00&ecomp=6gf59kk&prid=959bbdee-a5cb-422b-b483-5be7fbdc85fc ''Official Code of Georgia'', "O.C.G. 36-36-58," accessed December 1, 2025]</ref><ref name=bonds>[https://advance.lexis.com/documentpage/?pdmfid=1000516&crid=60ce3532-affd-4a7c-8694-97acb87a810c&nodeid=ABKAAFAADAACAAC&nodepath=%2FROOT%2FABK%2FABKAAF%2FABKAAFAAD%2FABKAAFAADAAC%2FABKAAFAADAACAAC&level=5&haschildren=&populated=false&title=36-82-1.+Election+for+bonded+debt%3B+right+to+sell+bonds+at+discount%3B+advertisements+as+binding+statements+of+intention%3B+use+of+surpluses%3B+meetings+open+to+public%3B+refunding.&config=00JAA1MDBlYzczZi1lYjFlLTQxMTgtYWE3OS02YTgyOGM2NWJlMDYKAFBvZENhdGFsb2feed0oM9qoQOMCSJFX5qkd&pddocfullpath=%2Fshared%2Fdocument%2Fstatutes-legislation%2Furn%3AcontentItem%3A6FXP-4M23-RY6W-91J3-00008-00&ecomp=6gf59kk&prid=959bbdee-a5cb-422b-b483-5be7fbdc85fc ''Official Code of Georgia'', "O.C.G. 36-82-1," accessed December 1, 2025]</ref>
*** Annexing of an area where the number of residents in the area exceeds 3% of the population of the municipal corporation or 500 people, whichever is less.
*** Adopting or rejecting a municipal annexation resolution.
*** Incurring any bonded debt.


==Initiative process features==
==Initiatives==
{{Local I&R map 50 states}}
The following outlines the general rules that govern local citizen-initiated ballot measures in Georgia.


===Counties===
* '''Authority''':
** [[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2: Home Rule for Counties and Municipalities|Article IX, Section 2]] of the Georgia Constitution and O.C.G. 36-35-3 grants voters the powers of initiative and referendum at the local level.<ref name=ocg36-35-3/>


{| style="width:60%; background:#FFFDD0; margin-top:.1em; border:.5px solid #cccccc; solid;"
* '''Signatures''': The number of signatures required for an initiative depends on the population of the municipality:<ref name=ocg36-35-3/>
|color:#000"|
** In municipalities with a population of 5,000 residents or less, the number of signatures required is equal to at least 25% of the electors registered to vote in the last general municipal election.
|{{Collapsible list
** In municipalities with a population of more than 5,000 but less than 100,000 residents, the number of signatures required is equal to at least 20% of the electors registered to vote in the last general municipal election.
  |framestyle = border:none; padding:0; text-align:left;
** In municipalities with a population of more than 100,000 residents, the number of signatures required is equal to at least 15% of the electors registered to vote in the last general municipal election.
  |title=County Initiative Process
  |<hr>
'''Petition form:''' The petition must include the exact language of the proposal.


[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2|Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I (b)(2)]]''
* '''Deadline''': Signatures must be submitted within 60 days from when the sponsor of the petition first obtained copies of it from the clerk of the local governing body.<ref name=ocg36-35-3/>


'''Signature requirements:''' For counties with less than 5,000 residents, signatures from 25% of registered electors are required. For counties with between 5,000 and 50,000 residents, signatures from 20% of registered electors are required. For counties with greater than 50,000 residents, signatures from 10% of registered electors are required.  
==Referrals==
The following outlines the general rules that govern local referred ballot measures in Georgia.


[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2|Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I (b)(2)]]''
* '''Authority''': There is no mention of legislative referrals in either the Georgia Constitution or the Official Code of Georgia.
** Local governing bodies do have the authority to pass charter amendments by voting on them in two regular consecutive meetings, but there are no specifications for putting them on the ballot for voter approval.<ref name=ocg36-35-3/>


'''Circulation period:''' No limit found.
==Laws governing local ballot measures in the U.S.==
 
{{LawsLBMsMapNav}}
'''Circulator restrictions:''' No restrictions found.
 
'''Notary requirement:''' No requirement found.
 
'''Submitting signatures:''' In counties, petitions are filed with the judge of the probate court.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2|Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I (b)(2)]]''
 
'''Election procedure:''' In counties, the probate judge must call a special election between 10 and 60 days after filing. The election must be held between 60 and 90 days after filing. The judge must cause a notice of the election to be placed in the official county organ for three consecutive weeks prior to the election.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2|Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I (b)(2)]]''
 
'''Election results:''' The outcome of the election is determined by a simple majority.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2|Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I (b)(2)]]''
 
'''Legislative alteration:''' The General Assembly may override local actions by general law--law applying to counties generally. However, the General Assembly is prohibited from repealing or modifying local actions by a special local law except in specified cases (see “Limitations” below). A "local law," as used here, is a state law that applies to specific cities or counties. 
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2|Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I (b)(2)]]''
}}
|}<br>
 
{| style="width:60%; background:#FFFDD0; margin-top:.1em; border:.5px solid #cccccc; solid;"
|color:#000"|
|{{Collapsible list
  |framestyle = border:none; padding:0; text-align:left;
  |title=County Subject Restrictions
  |<hr>
Counties may not pass local laws that conflict with the general law of the state. In addition, counties may not approve local laws, by initiative or otherwise, relating to the following:
 
:1. "Any elective county office, the salaries thereof, or the personnel thereof, except the personnel subject to the jurisdiction of the county governing authority."
 
:2. "The composition, form, procedure for election or appointment, compensation, and expenses and allowances in the nature of compensation of the county governing authority."
 
:3. "Defining any criminal offense or providing for criminal punishment."
:4. "Adopting any form of taxation beyond that authorized by law or by [the state] Constitution."
:5. "Extending the power of regulation over any business activity regulated by the Georgia Public Service Commission beyond that authorized by local or general law or by [the state] Constitution."
:6. "The exercise of the power of eminent domain."
:7. "Any court or the personnel thereof."
:8. "Any public school system."
 
:9. "The private or civil law governing private or civil relationships, except as is incident to the exercise of an independent governmental power."
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law]] ''[[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2|Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I (c) & (d)]]''
}}
|}<br>
 
===Cities===
 
{| style="width:60%; background:#FFFDD0; margin-top:.1em; border:.5px solid #cccccc; solid;"
|color:#000"|
|{{Collapsible list
  |framestyle = border:none; padding:0; text-align:left;
  |title=City Initiative Process
  |<hr>
'''Petition form:''' The petition must include the exact language of the proposal. Petition forms must be approved by the clerk of the municipal governing authority. Also, blank copies of the petition (for circulation) must be obtained from the clerk.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (b)(2)(A) & (C)]''
 
'''Signature requirements:''' For cities with less than 5,000 residents, signatures from 25% of registered electors are required. For cities with between 5,000 and 100,000 residents, signatures from 20% of registered electors are required. For cities with more than 100,000 residents, signatures from 15% of registered electors are required.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (b)(2)(A)]''
 
'''Circulation period:''' Sponsors have 60 days to circulate petitions.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (b)(2)(C)]''
 
'''Circulator restrictions:''' They must be a resident of the municipality. Circulators must sign a statement swearing that they are a local resident and swearing that the signatures were gathered inside the boundaries of the municipality.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (b)(2)(C)]''
 
'''Notary requirement:''' No requirement found.
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (b)(2)(C)]''
 
'''Submitting signatures:''' In cities, petitions are filed with the "governing authority" (may differ from city to city).
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (b)(2)(A)]
 
'''Election procedure:''' In cities, the governing authority must call a special election within one week of certification. (Up to fifty days are allowed for the certification process.) There are a limited set of days on which special elections may be scheduled.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] [http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (b)(2)(A)] & [http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-21/chapter-2/article-14/21-2-540/ § 21-2-540]
 
'''Election results:''' A simple majority determines the outcome of the election.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] ''[http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (b)(2)(A)]''
 
'''Legislative alteration:''' The state may override local actions by general law--law applying to cities or counties generally. The General Assembly is prohibited from repealing or modifying local actions by a special local law except in specified cases (see “Limitations” below). A "local law," as used here, is a state law that applies to specific cities or counties. 
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law|11px]] [http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (a)]
}}
|}<br>
 
{| style="width:60%; background:#FFFDD0; margin-top:.1em; border:.5px solid #cccccc; solid;"
|color:#000"|
|{{Collapsible list
  |framestyle = border:none; padding:0; text-align:left;
  |title=City Subject Restrictions
  |<hr>
Municipalities may not pass local laws that conflict with the general law of the state. In addition, cities may not approve local laws, by initiative or otherwise, relating to the following:
 
:1. "The composition and form of the municipal governing authority, the procedure for election or appointment of the members thereof, and the continuance in office and limitation thereon for such members, except as authorized in Chapter 2 of Title 21 or as provided in Code Section 36-35-4.1;"
 
:2. "(A) Action defining any offense, which so defined, is also an offense under the criminal laws of Georgia; (B) Action providing for confinement in excess of six months; and (C) Action providing for fines and forfeitures in excess of $1,000.00;"
 
:3. "Adopting any form of taxation beyond that authorized by law or by the Constitution;"
 
:4. "The exercise of the power of eminent domain;"
 
:5. "Expanding the power of regulation over any business activity regulated by the Public Service Commission beyond that authorized by charter or general law or by the Constitution;"
 
:6. "The jurisdiction of any court;"
 
:7. "Changing charter provisions relating to the establishment and operations of an independent school system."
 
:8. "The private or civil law governing private or civil relationships, except as is incident to the exercise of an independent governmental power."
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law]] ''[http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-6/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-6]''
}}
|}<br>
 
==Authority==
 
===Constitution===
 
The Georgia Constitution establishes the local initiative process for counties.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law]] <span style="color:#404040">'''''See law:''' [[Article IX, Georgia Constitution#Section 2|Georgia Constitution, Article IX, Section II, Paragraph I (b)]]''</span>
 
===Statutes===
 
The Georgia Code establishes the local initiative process for cities.
 
[[File:DocumentIcon.jpg|link=Ballot Measure Law]] <span style="color:#404040">'''''See law:''' [http://law.justia.com/codes/georgia/2010/title-36/provisions/chapter-35/36-35-3/ Georgia Code, § 36-35-3 (a)]''</span>
 
 
==Initiative process in the top 10 most populated cities==
Out of the top ten most populated cities in Georgia, Augusta and Columbus are the only two that have individual initiative and referendum processes in their charters.
 
{{GAtop10citiesI&R}}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Laws governing ballot measures]]
* [[Laws governing local ballot measures]]
* [[Laws governing local ballot measures]]
* [[Laws governing local ballot measures in Georgia]]
* [[Local ballot measures, Georgia]]
* [[Local ballot measures, Georgia]]
* [[Counties in Georgia]]
* [[Counties in Georgia]]
==External links==
* [http://www.gmanet.com/ Georgia Municipal Association]
* [http://www.cviog.uga.edu/ Carl Vinson Institute of Government]
* [https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/counties-cities-neighborhoods/georgias-city-governments/ ''New Georgia Encyclopedia,'' "Georgia's City Governments"]
* [https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/counties-cities-neighborhoods/georgias-county-governments/ ''New Georgia Encyclopedia,'' "Georgia's County Governments"]
* [http://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/748 Augusta City Charter]
* [http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=10583 Columbus City Charter]


==Footnotes==
==Footnotes==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
{{laws governing ballot measures}}
{{laws governing ballot measures}}
{{local ballot measures}}
{{local ballot measures}}

Latest revision as of 17:39, 23 January 2026


BallotLaw final.png

Laws Governing Local Ballot Measures
State-by-State Laws
Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming
Terms
Initiative • Home rule • General law city • Charter city • Petition • Initiative petition circulation periods • Circulator • Paid circulator • Volunteer circulator • Circulator affidavit • Signer • Valid signature • Forged signature • Fraudulent signature • Invalid signature • Electronic petition signature • Legislative alteration • Registered voter


This page describes the state constitutional provisions and statutes that govern local ballot measures in Georgia. Jurisdictions often establish additional rules within the parameters of state law; those can be found in local ordinances and home-rule charters.

Explore the links below for more information:

Law

The Georgia Constitution and the Official Code of Georgia establish the rules that govern local ballot measures in the state.

General

The following outlines the general rules that govern local ballot measures in Georgia, including both citizen-initiated measures and referred measures from local government bodies.

  • Election timing: In Georgia, election timing differs depending on the year the measure is placed on the ballot. If a local measure is approved for the ballot, the governing body of the municipality must call an election during the following times:[1][2]
    • A general primary or election.
    • In odd-numbered years, a special election on the third Tuesday in March or on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
    • In even-numbered years, a special election on:
      • The date of the presidential preference primary.
      • The third Tuesday in March.
      • The date of the general primary.
      • The Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
  • Vote requirements: All local ballot measures in Georgia require a simple majority vote to be approved.[3]
  • Required ballot measures:
    • Article IX of the Georgia Constitution requires voter-approved ballot measures for:
      • Issuing new bonds.
      • Authorizing redevelopment plans using special financing or property tax reallocations.
      • Exempting ad valorem taxation.
    • The Official Code of Georgia requires voter-approved ballot measures for:[4][5][6]
      • Annexing of an area where the number of residents in the area exceeds 3% of the population of the municipal corporation or 500 people, whichever is less.
      • Adopting or rejecting a municipal annexation resolution.
      • Incurring any bonded debt.

Initiatives

The following outlines the general rules that govern local citizen-initiated ballot measures in Georgia.

  • Authority:
    • Article IX, Section 2 of the Georgia Constitution and O.C.G. 36-35-3 grants voters the powers of initiative and referendum at the local level.[3]
  • Signatures: The number of signatures required for an initiative depends on the population of the municipality:[3]
    • In municipalities with a population of 5,000 residents or less, the number of signatures required is equal to at least 25% of the electors registered to vote in the last general municipal election.
    • In municipalities with a population of more than 5,000 but less than 100,000 residents, the number of signatures required is equal to at least 20% of the electors registered to vote in the last general municipal election.
    • In municipalities with a population of more than 100,000 residents, the number of signatures required is equal to at least 15% of the electors registered to vote in the last general municipal election.
  • Deadline: Signatures must be submitted within 60 days from when the sponsor of the petition first obtained copies of it from the clerk of the local governing body.[3]

Referrals

The following outlines the general rules that govern local referred ballot measures in Georgia.

  • Authority: There is no mention of legislative referrals in either the Georgia Constitution or the Official Code of Georgia.
    • Local governing bodies do have the authority to pass charter amendments by voting on them in two regular consecutive meetings, but there are no specifications for putting them on the ballot for voter approval.[3]

Laws governing local ballot measures in the U.S.

Laws governing local ballot measures in the United States

As state laws govern ballot measures, the rules are different from state to state. Click on a state below to explore that state's laws on local ballot measures.

http://ballotpedia.org/Laws_governing_local_ballot_measures_in_STATE

See also

Footnotes

  1. ↑ Official Code of Georgia, "O.C.G. 21-2-540," accessed December 1, 2025
  2. ↑ Official Code of Georgia, "O.C.G. 21-2-541," accessed December 1, 2025
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Official Code of Georgia, "O.C.G. 36-35-3," accessed December 1, 2025
  4. ↑ Official Code of Georgia, "O.C.G. 36-36-16," accessed December 1, 2025
  5. ↑ Official Code of Georgia, "O.C.G. 36-36-58," accessed December 1, 2025
  6. ↑ Official Code of Georgia, "O.C.G. 36-82-1," accessed December 1, 2025
v • e
Local ballot measures
By state
A • Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • C • California • Colorado • Connecticut • D • Delaware • F • Florida • G • Georgia • H • Hawaii • I • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • K • Kansas • Kentucky • L • Louisiana • M • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • N • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • O • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • P • Pennsylvania • R • Rhode Island • S • South Carolina • South Dakota • T • Tennessee • Texas • U • Utah • V • Vermont • Virginia • W • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • Wyoming
US map.png
By year
2026 • 2025 • 2024 • 2023 • 2022 • 2021 • 2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • 2004 • 2002
By topic
Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Laws_governing_local_ballot_measures_in_Georgia&oldid=11034466"