In addition to the numerous candidates on this year’s ballot, Georgia voters also considered three constitutional amendments, addressing agricultural property taxation, probate judge elections, and funding for the state’s emergency 9-1-1 system. Below is a brief overview of each amendment and its election outcome.
Amendment 1: Increasing the Conservation Use Acreage Cap
This amendment would increase the maximum acreage of agricultural and timber property eligible for Georgia’s conservation use property tax program from 2,000 to 4,000 acres per owner. The program allows qualifying land to be taxed based on its current use rather than fair market value.
Election Results: Amendment 1 Passed.
Amendment 2: Nonpartisan Elections for Probate Judges
This amendment would require probate judges in Georgia to be elected on a nonpartisan basis, removing party labels from their election ballots. Probate courts handle matters including wills, estates, guardianships, conservatorships, marriage licenses, and weapons carry licenses.
Election Results: Amendment 2 Passed.
Amendment 3: Dedicated Funding for Next Generation 9-1-1
This amendment would authorize the Georgia General Assembly to establish a dedicated fund for upgrading, maintaining, and operating the state’s Next Generation 9-1-1 emergency response system. The measure would allow existing 9-1-1 fees collected on telephone bills to be directed toward these improvements without creating a new tax or fee.
Election Results: Amendment 3 Passed.