Federal Appeals Court Upholds Georgia's Statewide Elections for Utility Commission

The ruling overturns a lower court decision that found the elections diluted Black votes, sparking criticism from plaintiffs who argue it sanctions discrimination.

• A federal appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling that found Georgia's statewide elections for its Public Service Commission diluted Black votes.
• The court ruled that Georgia's electoral format for the Public Service Commission is protected by federalism and precedents, and there was no evidence that race was a motivating factor in this decision.
• Plaintiffs argue that the ruling sanctions discrimination, as the lower court had found that statewide elections disadvantaged Black-favored candidates.
• If the ruling stands, it could put three of the five Georgia commission seats on 2024 ballots.
• The commission determines how much Georgia Power Co. and other regulated utilities can bill millions of ratepayers, and what power plants and other facilities the utilities can spend on.

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