Special Session, Voting in the Runoff And More!

Sara Fuchs

What’s this, you say? An update from Rep. Holland in December? I didn't expect to hear from her until next year! While the legislature normally takes a break until early January, we were called back into action last week for a special session. I have more details about that, plus information about a runoff election in Atlanta and some upcoming special events. Check it all out below!

Why are we in session now?

As you'll remember, every 10 years following the U.S. Census, the legislature convenes to redraw the state house, state senate and U.S. congressional district lines to ensure that each district contains roughly the same number of people. The Georgia legislature last did this in 2021 and passed out Republican-drawn maps over the objections of many Democrats that the maps were not drawn equitably. Shortly after the maps were passed, a group of civil rights and religious organizations brought a lawsuit against the state, claiming the maps violated parts of the Voting Rights Act. US District Court Judge Steve Jones agreed, and ordered the maps to be altered and resubmitted no later than December 8th. Shortly after that ruling, Governor Kemp declared a special session.

We convened last week, and on Friday a new state house map passed out of the house chamber, and a new state senate map passed out of the senate chamber. Each map now must pass through committee in the opposite chamber and be passed again. Like many critics, I'm not convinced that these new maps actually meet the requirements that the judge laid out for the state. Even more worrisome is that the first draft I've seen of the new congressional map might not pass muster either. You can view the proposed maps here, under the Proposed Plans tab. You can submit public comment here.

We have fewer than five days left to get these maps right and submitted to the judge. If the judge rules that the newly drawn maps do not meet his requirements, he can appoint a special master to redraw the maps without any additional input from the state. If that's the case, we may not know what the new districts will look like until January or February of next year.

Confused? Have questions? I'll be holding a special Zoom town hall on December 10th to explain what happened in the chamber and what might happen next in federal court. Details follow below - I hope you'll join us!

APS Board Election

It's time to go to the voting booth...again! Last month, Atlanta Public Schools held its election for half of the school board seats (school board seats are now staggered with half of the seats up for election every two years). The race for the at-large school board seat (District 7) was a three-way race in which no candidate secured more than 50% of the vote, so there will be a runoff tomorrow, Tuesday, December 5. I am supporting the incumbent, Tamara Jones, for this seat. In less than two years on the board, Tamara has shown extraordinary enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge as she tackles the challenges our schools are facing. I'm excited to see how she can continue to make an impact if elected for a full, four-year term.

If you are a resident of the City of Atlanta, this is your time to vote! Turnout is bound to be incredibly low for this runoff, so every vote is extremely important. Voting will take place in your usual polling location, 7 am - 7 pm. You can confirm your precinct on the Georgia My Voter Page.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

The holiday season is an amazing time to represent the communities of Buckhead and Sandy Springs. If you're looking for ways to celebrate, there are plenty of opportunities in our community. Have some gift shopping to do? Check out this resource of locally-owned shops in Sandy Springs or visit the magical Christkindl Market in the Buckhead Village. If seeing a show is on your holiday wishlist, you can catch Irving Berlin's White Christmas at City Springs Theater or visit the Cathedral of St. Philip for a Holiday Concert with the ASO Brass. If you'd rather wander and enjoy lights and some hot chocolate, you can visit the Sandy Springs Sparkle Parade on December 4th or join the Miracle on Peachtree Street Hot Chocolate Crawl on December 9th. There's also ice skating in City Springs, visiting St. Nick at Phipps Plaza and volunteer activities throughout the community. However you choose to spend this special time at the end of the year, I hope you are safe, healthy and peaceful.

Join me on Sunday, December 10th, at 5 pm on Zoom as I talk about how the maps changed during our Redistricting Special Session. You can pre-register for the Zoom link here.

If you haven’t already, please browse my website, betsyforgeorgia.com.

As your Representative, your concerns are important to me. Please contact me at betsy.holland@house.ga.gov or 404-656-0116 with questions, concerns, or solutions you may have regarding legislation or other happenings in District 54.

To stay updated, follow me on Twitter and Facebook, and follow the Georgia House of Representatives @GAHouseHub on Twitter. Additionally, in-depth information regarding current bills, Georgia's annual and supplemental budgets, committee meetings, and livestreams from the General Assembly can be accessed via www.legis.ga.gov.

I encourage you and your family to visit our State Capitol and my office, where all constituents are welcome. I look forward to connecting with you!

My office is located at:
18 Capitol Square, SW
409-B, Coverdell Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.