Georgia-2009-HB1446-Introduced

To provide for the holding of a nonbinding referendum in Clayton County in conjunction with the 2010 general primary election on the question of whether Clayton County should become a full participant in MARTA (the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) and should levy a sales tax in support of MARTA and Clayton County's public transportation needs; to provide for related matters; to require submission of this Act for preclearance pursuant to Section 5 of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

Unless prohibited by the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended, the election superintendent of Clayton County shall call and conduct an election on the date of the 2010 general primary election as provided in this section for the purpose of submitting to the electors of Clayton County a nonbinding referendum on the question of whether Clayton County should become a full participant in MARTA (the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) and should levy a sales tax in support of MARTA and Clayton County's public transportation needs. The election superintendent shall issue the call and conduct such election as provided by general law. The superintendent shall cause the date and purpose of the election to be published once a week for two weeks immediately preceding the date thereof in the official organ of Clayton County. The ballot shall have written or printed thereon the words:

( ) YES

( ) NO

"NONBINDING REFERENDUM

Should Clayton County become a full participant in MARTA (the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) and levy a sales tax in support of MARTA and Clayton County's public transportation needs?"

All persons desiring to vote in favor of full participation in MARTA shall vote "Yes," and all persons desiring to vote against full participation in MARTA shall vote "No." The election superintendent shall certify and publicize the results of the referendum. The expense of such election shall be borne by Clayton County.

The provisions of this Act with respect to time are directory. If for any reason the referendum provided for in this Act is not held on the date of the 2010 general primary election, then such referendum shall be held in conjunction with the next county-wide election or primary conducted in Clayton County.

The governing authority of Clayton County shall through its legal counsel cause this Act to be submitted for preclearance under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; and such submission shall be made to the United States Department of Justice or filed with the appropriate court no later than 30 days after the date on which this Act is approved by the Governor or otherwise becomes law without such approval.