Elections & Voting

Strengthening Democracy in Georgia

In a healthy democracy, elections should be free, fair, accessible, and trusted by all voters. I believe Georgia has both strengths and serious weaknesses in how we run our elections. Here's where I stand.

What’s Working in Georgia

Early Voting Access

Georgia has some of the most robust early voting in the country. Requiring at least three weeks of in-person early voting — including two Saturdays and optional Sundays — helps ensure more people can participate, including working families and rural voters. That’s a good thing.

Modern, Auditable Voting Technology

While some criticize the use of QR codes on ballots, I support their use so long as the voter’s actual selections are clearly printed on the paper ballot, as they are in Georgia. This allows for reliable machine counting and ensures that votes can be verified in audits. I’ve personally observed audits in Georgia elections. They are real, and they work.

Responsible Voter Roll Maintenance

I believe in clean voter rolls as well as protecting every eligible voter’s rights. Georgia’s participation in the ERIC (Electronic Registration Information Center) program helps remove voters who have moved or passed away using reliable, cross-state data. That’s smart. I oppose mass challenges or flawed “list matching” tactics that result in eligible Georgians being wrongfully removed voter rolls.

What Needs Fixing

Drop Box Restrictions

SB 202 significantly reduced access to ballot drop boxes — especially in urban and high-turnout counties — without evidence of abuse. This didn’t improve election integrity. It just made it harder for some voters to cast their ballots securely and conveniently.

Politicization of the State Election Board

One of the worst provisions of SB 202 was removing the Secretary of State from the State Election Board and replacing that role with a partisan legislative appointee. Since then, the board has proposed rules that could allow counties to delay or block certification of elections. That’s dangerous. We need to de-politicize the board and restore nonpartisan election oversight.

Misguided Motivations Behind SB 202

Let’s be honest: much of SB 202 wasn’t about improving elections — it was about responding to political pressure and false claims after 2020.

Georgia’s elections were secure then, and they remain secure now. We should build trust, not slow doubt.

Looking Ahead: Common-Sense Election Reform

Legalize Ranked Choice Voting

Ranked choice voting empowers voters to rank candidates in order of preference, helping reduce negative campaigning and ensuring the winner has broad support. It also prevents "spoiler" scenarios, eliminates the need for costly runoff elections, and gives independent-minded voters more voice. It also clears the way for more third parties in the political process, which is why even many Democrats do not support it. I do.

Proof:

Independent Redistricting Commission

Georgia’s legislative districts are drawn by politicians, often to serve their own interests. I support creating an independent redistricting commission to take that power out of partisan hands to ensure fair representation for all voters and move away from extremist politicians.

Explore Proportional Representation

Although less well known in the U.S., proportional representation systems can give voters more meaningful choices and help reduce gerrymandering. They’re used successfully around the world — and I believe Georgia should start the conversation about how we might benefit from a more representative system here at home.