# Georgia probate judge election reform proposal > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/georgia-probate-judge-election-reform-proposal > Updated: 2026-10-15T21:31:19.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. A proposed constitutional amendment, House Resolution 251, seeks to require all probate court judges in Georgia to run in nonpartisan contests. Currently, while most of the state’s judges are elected nonpartisantly, 53 of the 159 county probate judges are permitted to run under Republican or Democratic party labels. Proponents of the measure, including former governors Roy Barnes and Nathan Deal, as well as Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Nels S. D. Peterson, argue that the change would bolster judicial impartiality. They contend that the duties of probate judges—such as overseeing estates, mental health commitments, and weapons carry licenses—are not inherently political and that partisan alignment can undermine public perception of neutrality. The measure has received significant legislative support, passing the state Senate unanimously and the state House with a 147-20 vote. Opponents, such as State Representative Charlice Byrd, argue that nonpartisan races may deprive voters of necessary information regarding a candidate’s specific stances on issues. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-15: Georgia voters to consider nonpartisan probate judge amendment Georgia voters face a constitutional amendment that would require probate court judges to run for office as nonpartisan candidates rather than under political party labels. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-voters-to-consider-nonpartisan-probate-judge-amendment ### 2026-09-23: Georgia ballot measure proposes nonpartisan probate judge elections Georgia voters will decide in November whether to require all probate judges to be elected in nonpartisan elections, a move supported by bipartisan leaders to increase judicial neutrality. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/georgia-ballot-measure-proposes-nonpartisan-probate-judge-elections --- Cite as: Georgia probate judge election reform proposal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/georgia-probate-judge-election-reform-proposal