Kemp’s veto power in focus as Georgians push back on bills, warn of lawsuits

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Groups across Georgia are ramping up pressure on Gov. Brian Kemp to veto multiple bills as he closes out the legislative session, with some opponents warning of lawsuits over measures they say raise constitutional concerns.

One of the loudest flashpoints is Senate Bill 369, which would make certain local elections nonpartisan in five metro Atlanta counties: Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Clayton and Cobb.

If enacted, SB 369 would remove party labels from the ballot in races such as district attorney, county commission and tax commissioner, meaning voters would no longer see “D” or “R” next to candidates’ names. The changes would begin in 2028.

Kemp has about 40 days after the session to sign or veto legislation. If he took no action, bills became law.

Supporters framed the proposal as a way to reduce partisanship in local races. Critics argued it would make elections more confusing and could shift outcomes by changing what voters see at the polls.

“The voters are being very confused on that. That’s why we want him to veto this bill,” said Gerald Rose, a Cobb County voter and founder of New Order National Human Rights Organization.

Mshawi Ikner, a DeKalb County voter, said the bill unfairly targeted a small number of counties.

“To me it’s discrimination. One hundred and fifty-nine counties, you got five counties you just targeting,” Ikner said.

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Metro Atlanta district attorneys also criticized SB 369.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis called it unconstitutional. DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston said she was prepared to take legal action if Kemp signed the bill.

Opponents also pushed residents to contact the governor’s office and circulated a Change.org petition that has more than 1,000 signatures.

Separately, Staci Fox of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute raised concerns about a property tax bill, calling it procedurally flawed and warning it could invite a court challenge. She argued that Georgians should have more opportunity to weigh in on major policy changes.

“The legislature said, ‘No, we don’t want to ask the people. We want to do it our way.’ Says a lot,” Fox said.

Kemp could sign SB 369, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature. Opponents said they were prepared to challenge the measure in court if it became law.