Friday, March 6th is Crossover Day at the Georgia State Capitol. This is one of the most consequential deadlines of the entire legislative session, especially for bills affecting voting rights, election access, and democratic accountability.
Crossover Day is the deadline for most bills to pass out of their original chamber (House or Senate) and “cross over” to the other side. If a bill doesn’t pass by the end of legislative day on March 6, it is generally considered dead for this session, with a few technical exceptions.
To put it simply, if a bill passes by March 6th, it’s still alive. If it doesn’t, its path gets much harder.
What’s At Stake
There are many important bills moving through the legislative process, but here are a few we’re following closely.
Senate Bill 536: Henry McNeal Turner Voting Rights Act
Creates a Georgia Voting Rights Act with protections against vote dilution and suppression, establishes a Voting Rights Commission, expands language access, and strengthens enforcement. This is a comprehensive pro-voting rights proposal designed to protect communities historically impacted by discrimination and ensure equal access to the ballot.
CCGA Position: Support
Senate Bill 514: Eliminates Ballot Drop Boxes
This bill would eliminate authorization for ballot drop boxes and restrict certain special election dates. Drop boxes have been secure, convenient options for voters across Georgia. Removing secure voting options does not strengthen confidence in elections – it shrinks access for working families, seniors, and caregivers.
CCGA Position: Oppose
House Bill 502: Priority Voting for Parents with Young Children
Allows voters accompanied by children two years old or younger to move to the front of the line during certain hours. Some parents might say that standing in line with a toddler is… let’s just say a civic endurance event. Reducing barriers for caregivers helps ensure families aren’t effectively penalized for participating in democracy.
CCGA Position: Support
House Bill 963: Foreign Influence in Ballot Campaigns
Prohibits foreign nationals from contributing to ballot measure campaigns and imposes extensive certification requirements. Protecting Georgia from foreign interference is essential. But overly broad definitions and burdensome compliance requirements risk chilling lawful civic participation and creating compliance traps for grassroots organizations. We can safeguard elections, but this bill could create more problems than it seeks to solve.
CCGA Position: Oppose
What’s Next
While Crossover Day is the deadline for a bill to pass out of its original chamber, the work doesn’t stop there. As “crossed over” bills move throughout the other side of the legislature, new challenges, threats, or considerations may pop up — and we will be ready to respond.
The Common Cause Georgia team will be at the Capitol every week attending committee hearings, speaking with legislators, and advocating for legislation that supports Georgians and upholds our rights, and our democracy.
Strengthening our democracy is an all-hands-on-deck job and we want you to join us in this fight. On Thursday, March 19, we’re hosting Democracy Day— an exciting advocacy day where Common Cause Georgia members and supporters will gather at the Capitol to meet with legislators, advocate for pro-democracy reforms, and make our voices heard.
If you’re unable to join us for Democracy Day, there are still ways you can make a difference. Follow along with our work to stay tuned for more calls to action.
And remember, our democracy belongs to us.
