Rep. Spencer and GA Special Election Laws

I am not an attorney nor an expert on Georgia Law, but I know how to use Google. As I was pondering the calls for Rep. Jason Spencer to resign his position, I immediately went and researched the special election laws in Georgia for this case. Basically, it is up to the discretion of the Governor unless a special session/extraordinary session is called.

21-2-544 – Special election for General Assembly vacancy

(5) If such vacancy shall occur following the conclusion of the regular session of the General Assembly during the second year of the term of office of members of the General Assembly, the issuance of a writ of election to fill such vacancy shall be in the discretion of the Governor except as otherwise provided in paragraph (6) of this Code section and if the Governor chooses to issue such writ of election to fill such vacancy, such election shall be held on the date named in the writ, which shall not be fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days after its issuance; or

(6) (A) If such vacancy shall exist at a time when the members of the General Assembly shall be required to meet in special session, the Governor shall issue, within two days after the calling of an extraordinary session of the General Assembly during the existence of such vacancy, a writ of election to the Secretary of State for a special election to fill such vacancy which shall be held on the date named in the writ, which shall not be fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days after its issuance; or

(B) If such vacancy shall occur after the issuance by the Governor of a call for an extraordinary session of the General Assembly, but prior to the conclusion of such extraordinary session, the Governor shall issue, within five days after the occurrence of such vacancy, a writ of election to the Secretary of State for a special election to fill such vacancy which shall be held on the date named in the writ, which shall not be fewer than 30 nor more than 60 days after its issuance.

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