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July 13, 2026

Georgia State Election Board Approves New Rules Aimed at Increasing Election Transparency

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChattoogaInfo, #Election2026, #ElectionAdministration, #ElectionIntegrity, #ElectionTransparency, #GeorgiaElections, #georgiapolitics, #GeorgiaSecretaryOfState, #Government, #northwestgeorgia, #PollWatchers, #PublicPolicy, #StateElectionBoard, #StateGovernment, #WZQZ, #wzqznews, georgia, voting 0

The Georgia State Election Board has approved two new election rules supporters say are designed to increase transparency and public confidence in the state’s voting process ahead of the 2026 elections. The rules were adopted during the board’s July meeting following public comment and debate.

One of the new rules requires that vote tabulation and consolidation be conducted in public, allowing election observers to watch the process as precinct-level results are combined into countywide totals. State law already allows authorized poll watchers to observe many aspects of the election process, and supporters say the rule further reinforces public access.

The board also approved a rule giving State Election Board members access to the Secretary of State’s election operations center, often referred to as the “election night bunker,” during elections. Supporters say the change provides additional oversight, while critics have questioned whether the board has the legal authority to require such access.

The rule changes come as Georgia prepares for the 2026 election cycle and continue an ongoing discussion over election administration and transparency in the state.

July 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Met with OpenAI Leaders as Georgia Pursues AI Growth

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Governor Brian Kemp recently met privately with executives from OpenAI and Georgia Power as state leaders continue exploring Georgia’s role in the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry. According to documents obtained through the Georgia Open Records Act, the meeting took place on June 11 at the State Capitol, although neither the Governor’s Office nor OpenAI disclosed what was discussed.

June 25, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia General Assembly Concludes 2026 Special Session

Local News, Local News Items #briankemp, #eddielumsden, #ElectionReform, #GasTaxSuspension, #GeorgiaElections, #georgiageneralassembly, #GeorgiaLegislature, #georgiapolitics, #GoldDome, #KratomStudy, #LegislativeUpdate, #SpecialSession, #StateGovernment, #VotingSystems, #wzqznews 0

The Georgia General Assembly adjourned its 2026 special session on Tuesday, June 23, after completing legislative work outlined in Governor Brian Kemp’s special session proclamation.

June 23, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lawmakers Focus on Election Changes, Tax Relief During Special Session

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Georgia lawmakers returned to the State Capitol last week for a special legislative session called by Governor Brian Kemp to address election law implementation, local homestead tax exemptions, and ratification of a temporary suspension of state motor fuel taxes.

According to State Representative Eddie Lumsden, who represents Chattooga County and a portion of Floyd County, legislators opted not to take up congressional and state legislative redistricting during the special session, despite redistricting being included in the governor’s original proclamation.

One of the first measures approved by lawmakers was House Resolution 3EX, which ratifies Governor Kemp’s executive order extending the temporary suspension of Georgia’s motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. The extension continued tax relief for motorists through the Memorial Day travel period.

Lawmakers are also reviewing Senate Bill 3EX, which would make adjustments to Georgia election laws and address implementation deadlines established under previous legislation. The measure deals with election equipment requirements and the use of human-readable ballot text in vote tabulation.

Another major topic under consideration involves local homestead tax exemptions. Following passage of legislation earlier this year authorizing a Local Homestead Option Sales Tax, lawmakers are considering local bills that would allow communities to place homestead exemption measures before voters during the November 2026 General Election.

The General Assembly resumed work Monday as legislators continue debating the measures included in the governor’s special session agenda.

You can read Representative Lumsden’s complete legislative report below.

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bill To Delay Ballot QR Code Changes Until 2028

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Georgia lawmakers have taken the first major step toward resolving a voting system issue that threatened to complicate the state’s upcoming elections.

June 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Applications Open For Fall 2026 Governor’s Internship Program

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Students and recent graduates interested in public service and state government now have an opportunity to gain firsthand experience inside Georgia’s Executive Office.

May 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Kemp Says Georgia Will Wait On Redistricting Changes Until 2028

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Governor Brian Kemp says Georgia will not rush into redrawing its political maps following a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, signaling that any changes will likely come later.

May 3, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sen. Lanny Thomas Appointed To Key Georgia Senate Committees

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State Senator Lanny Thomas of Trion has been appointed to serve on several key Georgia Senate committees, giving Northwest Georgia a voice in major policy areas.

April 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Lawmakers Approve Income Tax Cuts As Property Tax Plan Falls Short

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Georgia lawmakers have approved a plan to cut the state’s income tax rate, but a broader effort to overhaul property taxes fell short before the end of the legislative session.

March 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bills Focused on Child Welfare and Abuse Protections

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Georgia lawmakers are moving forward with several bills this session aimed at improving child welfare services, supporting foster children with autism and related disorders, and strengthening legal protections for victims of abuse.