April 27, 2026

Early Voting Begins

Early voting begins Monday, April 27 for all Georgia voters. You can find early voting locations above. When I vote early, I do so at the Emory location on Clifton Road, at the entrance to the Emory Conference Center driveway. Parking is free and convenient, with a short walk directly into the precinct.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS TODAY

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PLEASE VOTE MAY 19!

I say many times a week that 2026 is the most unpredictable election year I have experienced in my career. I am often asked whom I support. Below are the candidates I am endorsing and hoping will do well in the Democratic primary. I am not making endorsements in every race; please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss specific contests. Most importantly, I urge you to vote on May 19.‍

Governor — We have a strong opportunity to win the Governor’s office in 2026. I remain genuinely conflicted between two excellent candidates and have given money to and supported both. I anticipate a runoff and will make an endorsement once the June 17 ballot is set.‍

U.S. Senate — Jon Ossoff‍

Lieutenant Governor — Josh McLaurin‍

Secretary of State — Dana Barrett‍

Attorney General — Bob Trammell‍

State Senate District 44 — Saira Draper‍

I am grateful for the opportunity to run unopposed for another two-year term in House District 84. Thanks to Elena Parent for her many years of outstanding service as my State Senator. I look forward to continuing our work together on future exciting efforts.

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POST SINE DIE THOUGHTS

I reported earlier on the failure of the State Senate to take up the bipartisan compromise, SB 214. Passage of SB 214 was essential to meet the July 1 deadline for implementing a new voting system with a paper ballot. I still anticipate a Special Session before that deadline, but discussions are largely behind the scenes, and the path forward remains uncertain. This uncertainty—and the potential cost of a Special Session or further litigation—stems from the Senate’s failure to act on this critical legislation needed to keep our 2026 elections on track.

The Governor has until May 12 to sign or veto legislation passed during the 2026 Session. I am confident he will sign SB 625, requiring the City Schools of Decatur to hold a referendum before moving forward with a new early childhood learning center (ECLC). I am encouraged to see ongoing public discussion from the Decatur School Board about additional options. My hope is that this matter will be resolved in a transparent way that fully includes the concerns of our community.

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STONE MOUNTAIN MEMORIAL PARK UPDATE

House leadership has steadfastly refused to take up HB 794 or HB 243, bills brought forward by the DeKalb Delegation as attempts to modernize the authority and operations of the Stone Mountain Memorial Association. However, Governor Brian Kemp did authorize his House floor leaders to move forward HB 1415, a bill authorizing the sale of certain properties outside Stone Mountain Park. I co-sponsored the bill, as previously reported, and it will soon be signed by the Governor.

At the end of Session, the AJC's Zachary Hansen reported that a new vendor had been selected to manage the Park’s hotel and other facilities. Nearly 500 employees were laid off, with the opportunity to reapply to the new vendor for some number of jobs. Read the AJC article about changes at the Stone Mountain Park HERE.

I appreciate the Governor stepping in to address the Park’s serious financial challenges. Looking ahead, I hope future leadership will continue this work and pursue the additional changes needed to bring Stone Mountain Memorial Park into the modern era.

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BREAKTHRU HOUSE DEDICATES NEW HOMES FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN

I was very pleased to join Breakthru House in celebrating the opening of two new homes for women and children in recovery from substance use disorder. This DeKalb-based program, located just off Candler Road, has served our community for more than 50 years. The successful fundraising effort was led by my friend Julie Childs, who sadly passed before the ribbon cutting. The event honored her leadership and the work of so many others. My thanks to Executive Director BreNita Jackson and the entire staff for their continued dedication to women and families in need. Learn more about Breakthru House HERE.

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SKYLAND TRAILS ARTS IN THE GARDEN EVENT

On May 1st from 10:00am to 2:30pm, Skyland Trail will host an Arts in the Garden event at its Charles West campus in Brookhaven (1903 North Druid Hills Rd. NE, Atlanta (Brookhaven), GA 30319). Arts in the Garden is a free spring community event that has helped launch Mental Health Month for many years. It celebrates people living with mental health conditions by highlighting creativity, recovery, and connection. The event includes an artist market, plant sale, live performances, art demonstrations, and mental health education. Artists, Skyland Trail clients, families, community partners, and organizations from across Metro Atlanta participate, making it a broad community gathering around mental health, dignity, and hope.

The Arts in the Garden event is also celebrating the unanimous passage of HR 1007, the Resolution I co-sponsored, which acknowledges the effectiveness of arts-for-health initiatives in improving mental health outcomes. It is the country's first resolution of its kind.

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NEW POLL QUESTION: PAPER BALLOTS?

As mentioned above, the Georgia General Assembly Session ended without addressing unresolved election issues. A new law taking effect July 1 will prohibit the use of QR codes to count votes—central to Georgia’s current touchscreen system—but no replacement or transition plan was approved before adjournment. That leaves county election officials without clear direction as they prepare for upcoming elections.

One option being discussed is a shift to hand-marked paper ballots, though that would require planning, funding, and training statewide. It’s increasingly likely that Governor Kemp may need to call a Special Session to address this issue.

Would you support a change from touchscreen voting systems with QR codes to hand-marked paper ballots?

Would you support replacing Georgia’s touchscreen voting system with hand-marked paper ballots?‍

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OUT AND ABOUT

I always like to share with you my activities as your Representative for House District 84. Please let me know at mmo@mmolaw.com if you have any suggestions for events that you would like for me to attend in your neighborhood. Thanks!

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April 24 - Spring in North Georgia- very beautiful and every color of green. Our friends in South Georgia need our prayers and we all need rain.

April 24 - Spring in North Georgia- very beautiful and every color of green. Our friends in South Georgia need our prayers and we all need rain.

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April 22 - The DeKalb Delegation Town Hall was attended by more legislators than voters. Do you predict the May 19 Primary Election will have high or low turnout?

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April 22 - I enjoyed attending the Emory Board of Visitors' lunch with Representatives Scott Hilton and Omari Crawford. President Leah Ward Sears was interviewed by a graduating senior and it was a lovely conversation. Dean Joe Crespino joined us and it was fun visiting with him, too!

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April 17 - I was very happy to attend Agnes Scott College’s awards ceremony honoring my friend Gayle Gellerstedt— richly deserved! Please continue to lead the bucket brigades and call on me to help anytime!

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April 15 - What is the Epstein Amendment which was passed on Sine Die? Who is the target? Patricia Murphy called me and we discussed--read her article HERE. Stay tuned!

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April 14 - I was pleased to join Commissioner Kevin Tanner and Behavioral Health Board Chair Lasa Joiner to celebrate the settlement of the Department of Justice lawsuit—— excellent work by many! Commissioner Tanner always does a good job of recognizing those who work so hard for mental health reform. Thank you all!

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April 9 - Despite my dog Henry barking through the program, the Decaturish Download podcast went well as we reviewed the 2026 General Assembly Session. What do you think? Do you have questions? Listen to my Decaturish Download podcast interview HERE.

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UPCOMING DATES

Wednesday, April 29 - Saira Draper fundraiser

Friday, May 1 - Skyland Trails Arts in the Garden Event

Friday, May 1 - Atlanta Master Chorale

Saturday, May 16 - DeKalb NAACP breakfast

Sunday, May 17 - NCAA Men's & Women's Tennis Championships at UGA

Monday, May 18 - Carter Center Mental Health Leadership Reception

Tuesday, May 19 - Election Day!

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QUICK LINKS FOR YOU

I am on the following legislative committees. You can watch live every time they meet. Click on the links below for livestreams, agendas, archives and more.

Committees:

Subcommittees:

Appropriations - Human Resources
Governmental Affairs - State and Local Government
Judicial - Leverett (two)

You can search for and track bills, watch the House (or Senate) in Session, watch committee hearings, monitor legislation by committee, and find contact information —- all on the revamped General Assembly website. Here are quick links:

General Assembly website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/
House Session meetings and many committee hearings are available to watch online: https://www.legis.ga.gov/house
Archived videos of meetings and hearings: https://www.legis.ga.gov/house/media-services

Make your views known and tell me what issues interest you the most.

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