Georgia voters to consider nonpartisan probate judge amendment

Georgia voters will consider Amendment 2, a proposed constitutional amendment that would require probate court judges to run for office as nonpartisan candidates. Currently, probate judges are permitted to run under party labels, unlike other judges and justices in the state.

Proponents of the measure, including former governors Roy Barnes and Nathan Deal, argue that the responsibilities of probate judges—which include overseeing estates, mental health commitments, and weapons carry licenses—are not inherently political. Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Nels S. D. Peterson has also supported the change, stating that formal political alignment can undermine the public perception of judicial impartiality. The proposal, House Resolution 251, previously passed the Georgia House and Senate with significant support.