Georgia ballot measure proposes nonpartisan probate judge elections

A proposed ballot measure for the November election in Georgia would require all probate judges to be elected in nonpartisan contests. Probate judges oversee legal matters including wills, estates, and conservatorships.

Proponents of the measure, including a bipartisan group of over 60 leaders such as former Democratic Governor Roy Barnes and former Republican Governor Nathan Deal, argue the change would strengthen judicial confidence by emphasizing neutrality and independence from partisan pressure. The measure has already passed the state Senate unanimously and the state House with a 147-20 vote.

Currently, nearly all of Georgia’s approximately 1,600 judges are elected nonpartisantly, but 53 of the state’s 159 county probate judges still run on Republican or Democratic tickets. Opponents, including State Representative Charlice Byrd, argue that nonpartisan races deprive voters of essential information regarding a candidate’s individual stances on issues.