New presidential primary date takes a step
The State House has passed a measure to move the presidential primary to February 5th.
House Republican leaders said Georgia should move its nominating contests up from the first Tuesday in March to Feb. 5 so the state could have a bigger impact on the race for the White House. The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Nine other states have already scheduled their primaries and caucuses for the same day, including Alabama. California is one of the most recent states to move its primaries to Feb. 5. Thirteen more states are considering doing the same.
Proponents worry Georgia will be an afterthought among presidential candidates if the state waits until March to vote.
“We want to make sure that Georgia voters have input in the nomination of presidential candidates,” said Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton), who sponsored the legislation for the date change. “By moving it forward, we will ensure the major candidates will come to our state and seek the support of the voters.”
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Another provision in the Georgia bill would reduce the number of votes candidates must receive to win primaries and elections, from more than 50 percent to more than 45 percent. The change would not apply to municipal elections.