Georgia's Three Constitutional Amendments: What Election-Night Results Show and What Could Change
Early Georgia election returns show Yes majorities for three ballot amendments on conservation-use land taxes, probate judge elections and Next Generation 911 funding. Results remain unofficial.
ATLANTA, Ga. — Georgia voters considered three statewide constitutional amendments in the November 3, 2026, general election, covering conservation-use property taxation, probate judge elections and emergency 911 funding. Available election-night results showed Yes votes leading on all three measures. However, the returns consulted for this report were incomplete, and the measures should not yet be described as finally certified or implemented.
Amendment 1 — Conservation-use farmland and timber acreage
The measure would increase the maximum acreage that could qualify for Georgia’s conservation-use assessment program from 2,000 to 4,000 acres. Eligible property under the program is assessed using a special conservation-use framework rather than conventional fair-market-value rules. Supporters emphasize support for agricultural and timber operations, while critics have raised concerns about whether larger landowners would disproportionately benefit. The proposed change would not mean every Georgia homeowner receives a property-tax reduction.
Amendment 2 — Nonpartisan probate judge elections
This proposal would require elections for probate court judges to be nonpartisan, removing political party designations from those contests on local ballots. Probate courts handle matters including estates and certain administrative proceedings, depending on the county. Supporters argue the judicial role is better presented without a party label; critics say losing those labels can remove information some voters use.
Amendment 3 — A Next Generation 911 fund
This measure would authorize the Georgia General Assembly to establish a dedicated, nonlapsing fund for expanding, maintaining and operating emergency 911 systems, including Next Generation 911 capabilities. A vote to authorize a fund does not itself complete upgrades, appropriate a particular dollar amount or raise the 911 phone fee. Further laws and implementation decisions would determine how the fund works.
What the returns actually show
An Atlanta Journal-Constitution results snapshot showed roughly two-thirds of estimated votes counted, with Yes shares around 66% for Amendment 1, 68% for Amendment 2, and 65% for Amendment 3. Other election-night sources displayed different snapshots as counting continued. These are time-specific, unofficial readings, not final certified percentages. Because counting and canvassing were unfinished when this story was prepared, readers should use updated election authority records to determine the final outcome.
What happens next
Reported vote leads and media projections must be distinguished from official certification. If a constitutional amendment is approved in the final canvass, lawmakers, agencies or election administrators may still need to carry out administrative or statutory changes. Residents should not treat any proposal as an immediately available tax benefit or 911 service upgrade solely because Yes leads appeared on election night.