State Issues
Governor Kemp Call Special Session to Address Redistricting
November 2, 2023
Late last month, a federal judge threw out the congressional and legislative maps drawn by the Georgia General Assembly two years ago. Facing a December 8 deadline, Governor Kemp called for a special session to begin November 29. The judge ordered the district lines to be redrawn in time for the 2024 General Election.
In his ruling, U.S. District Judge Steve Jones agreed with civil rights and voting rights groups that claimed state legislative and congressional districts, as they are currently drawn, deny Black Georgians, in some parts of the State, the same opportunity to elect candidates of their choice.
Citing the 2020 Census, the judge noted that all of Georgia’s population growth during the last decade was attributable to the increase in minority residents, it would stand to reason the number of majority Black districts would increase as well. However, this was not the case.
The judge’s ruling agreed with the plaintiffs by ordering the General Assembly to draw five additional Black majority seats in the Georgia House and came close to the plaintiffs’ arguments by ordering an additional two Black majority state Senate seats.
About the PCBR Market Brief
The Pickens County Board of REALTORS® (PCBR) Market Brief is compiled by First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS). For more information on details of this month's report, please contact the Board at 770.866.1397.
*Each month, the numbers reported for the previous month are updated to reflect additional recordings.
About the Pickens County Board of REALTORS®
The Pickens County Board serves as a central source of information for our members and our main focus are real estate education, the promotion of professionalism in our industry and representing our REALTOR® members with legislative initiatives to create positive change for the real estate community. Throughout its history, the Pickens County Board has exerted its influence in civic affairs in its capacity of representing a substantial segment of the business community across the Pickens area. The Board has contributed to various charities over the years by hosting fundraisers.
About First Multiple Listing Service
First Multiple Listing Service (FMLS) is the premier data services provider for real estate professionals in Georgia. FMLS was founded in 1957 by a group of Brokers who wanted to share their listings and connect buyers and sellers. Today FMLS is the largest MLS in Georgia & the 4th largest MLS in the United States, serving nearly 54,000 real estate Agents & Brokers. For additional information or to start a discussion about how to partner with FMLS please contact join@fmls.com.