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Committee approves bill letting cities set Saturday early‑voting rules after amendment making Saturdays the default
Summary
House Bill 397, which gives municipalities leeway on Saturday early voting, passed the Elections Subcommittee after members amended the bill so Saturdays are included by default (cities must opt out). Supporters cited cost burdens on small municipalities; opponents warned the change could reduce voter access and cause confusion.
Representative Tim Fleming presented House Bill 397 to the Elections Subcommittee to give municipalities options about Saturday early voting in municipal contests. Fleming said the measure would not eliminate Saturday voting but would allow municipalities to choose whether to hold one or two Saturday early‑voting days or none, a change intended to reduce costs for small cities that rarely see Saturday turnout.
Committee members debated access and cost. Supporters, including Chairman Gullett and Representatives who represent small municipalities, said Saturday voting can impose significant costs on cities that see little turnout and sometimes contract with counties to run municipal elections. Opponents — including All Voting Is Local, the ACLU of Georgia and the People's Agenda — argued Saturday voting is essential for many voters who cannot vote during weekday hours and warned that allowing opt‑out could reduce access and create voter confusion when county and city schedules differ.
Cindy Battles of the People’s Agenda and others provided county‑by‑county cost estimates and warned that elections often decide by very small margins; they urged at least one mandated Saturday. Following debate, Representative Alalie moved to amend the draft to change the default to include Saturdays unless otherwise provided (i.e., an opt‑out), a conforming drafting change recommended by legislative counsel. The committee adopted that amendment by voice vote. After further discussion the committee voted to pass HB 397 as amended and will refer it to full committee.
Members noted local election administrators had asked for flexibility to manage limited resources; critics urged legislative fixes for election funding rather than reducing access. The committee approved the bill as amended by voice vote.
