Gov. Brian Kemp signs the amended budget for the 2026 fiscal year at the state Capitol.

Georgia lawmakers return for special session on maps, ballots, taxes

Today Georgia lawmakers head to the State Capitol for a special session that will likely shape how votes are counted in the upcoming elections and the state’s political map.

Kemp called the session for legislators to consider redrawing district maps ahead of the 2028 election cycle after the U.S. Supreme Court essentially gutted the Voting Rights Act. 

However,  the session was likely to be called anyway to address a July 1 deadline that requires the elimination of QR codes on Georgia ballots. Measures to deal with the looming deadline failed to pass during the 2026 legislative session, and state election officials have given conflicting guidance as to how localities should comply with the law.

In addition, Kemp recently amended his proclamation for the special session to include language that will allow lawmakers to consider adding local referendums on the November ballot to create homestead tax exemptions.

Although redistricting will likely dominate the political debate, lawmakers will have plenty to discuss when they reconvene today.