Georgia Ballot Will Have Three Constitutional Amendments

Georgia voters will consider three proposed constitutional amendments in the Nov. 3 general election. The measures address property tax benefits for qualifying farmland and timberland, elections for probate court judges and funding for emergency 911 services.

Each proposal will appear as a separate statewide ballot question. A “yes” vote supports adding the proposed change to the Georgia Constitution, while a “no” vote opposes it. Each amendment requires approval from a majority of voters casting a ballot on that specific question.

Farmland taxes and probate judge elections

House Resolution 32 would raise the maximum amount of qualifying property that an individual landowner may enroll in Georgia’s Conservation Use Valuation Assessment program from 2,000 acres to 4,000 acres. The program taxes eligible agricultural and timberland property based on its conservation-use value rather than its fair market value, which can reduce property taxes for landowners who meet its requirements.

House Resolution 251 would require nonpartisan elections for probate court judges across Georgia. Candidates would appear on the ballot without a political party affiliation. Probate courts oversee matters that include wills, estates, guardianships and conservatorships.

Emergency 911 funding and voting dates

House Resolution 1243 would allow the General Assembly to direct certain existing revenue into a special fund used only to expand, maintain and operate emergency 911 services. The money could support local emergency communications centers, equipment upgrades and newer response technology.

That technology may include Next Generation 911 systems capable of receiving text messages, photographs and videos, depending on a center’s system and capabilities.

Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 13 through Oct. 30. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.