By State Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex)

(370 words)

Let's be clear-House Bill 369 is not about election reform. It is about power. It is about control. And it is about fear-fear of the growing strength of Black voters and Black leadership in metro Atlanta.

HB 369 began as a bill dealing with food truck regulations. But, in the final hours, it was transformed into something far more dangerous-legislation that strips partisan labels from local elections in key metro counties, including Clayton, DeKalb, Cobb, Fulton and Gwinnett-the very communities where Black voters have built real political influence.

When you cannot win the game fairly, you change the rules. That is exactly what this bill would do. Partisan labels are not just symbols-they provide transparency, accountability and clarity for voters.

Removing party labels in these counties is not neutral; it is strategic. It is designed to confuse voters, dilute organized political power and weaken the very coalitions that have allowed Black communities-and especially Black women-to lead, serve and win. Over the last decade, metro Atlanta has seen a historic rise in Black women in leadership-from county commissions to district attorney offices to judicial seats. This bill is a direct response to that progress.

Black women are organizing. Black communities are voting. And now, instead of respecting that power, this legislation attempts to silence it by disguising elections and erasing the very tools voters use to make informed decisions.

This legislation was hijacked at the last minute-turning a food truck bill into a sweeping elections bill. That is not transparency. That is not good governance. That is legislative sleight of hand.

The bill undermines democratic principles and disproportionately impacts communities that have fought hardest for representation.

Metro Atlanta did not gain its voice overnight. That voice was built through decades of struggle, sacrifice and organizing. HB 369 is an attempt to muffle that voice without saying it out loud.

I voted no because I will not stand by while laws are passed to weaken the power of the people-especially in communities that have already had to fight too hard just to be heard. This is bigger than politics. This is about protecting democracy, protecting representation and protecting the future of our communities.

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes a portion of Clayton County. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Insurance and Reapportionment and Redistricting committees.

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