How is a proposed amendment to the state Constitution ratified?

A proposed amendment to the state Constitution requires a specific process to ensure that it is carefully considered and has significant support. This process entails two key steps: first, the proposed amendment must receive two-thirds approval in both houses of the General Assembly. This high threshold reflects the importance of constitutional amendments and necessity for substantial legislative consensus.

Once the General Assembly has passed the amendment with the required two-thirds majority, the second step involves presenting the proposed amendment to the citizens of Georgia. A majority vote by the people is needed to ratify the amendment during a general election. This step allows the electorate to have a direct say in amending the state’s foundational legal framework, ensuring that changes to the Constitution reflect the will of the populace.

This two-step process of legislative approval followed by a popular vote ensures that proposed amendments are not only supported by lawmakers but also have the backing of the citizens, balancing representation and direct democracy in governance.