A group of metro Atlanta county and state lawmakers is urging Governor Brian Kemp to veto a Republican-sponsored bill that would force nonpartisan elections on the state's five most populous counties.
The legislation would mandate nonpartisan elections for district attorneys, county commissioners, and other high-profile local offices in Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb, and Clayton counties only.
DeKalb County CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson called it a "blatantly unconstitutional power grab." Critics argue that singling out metro Atlanta's largest counties, which have recently elected Democratic officeholders, bypasses the will of voters.
Republican supporters say removing party labels is essential for election integrity. Governor Kemp has not indicated whether he will sign or veto the bill. DeKalb County officials have indicated they will sue immediately if the bill is signed.
