In the event the Governor declares that a state of emergency or disaster exists pursuant to Code Section 38-3-51 or a federal agency declares that a state of emergency or disaster exists, the Secretary of State is authorized to postpone or extend the qualifying periods provided in this chapter for the qualification of candidates seeking municipal, county, or state-wide office and to postpone the date of any primary, special primary, election, or special election in the affected area. The Secretary of State shall exercise the powers granted by this Code section carefully, and any such postponement or extension shall not exceed 45 days.
(Code 1981, §21-2-50.1, enacted by Ga. L. 2001, p. 230, § 3; Ga. L. 2002, p. 574, § 1.)
Cross references.- Emergency powers of Governor generally, §§ 38-3-22,38-3-51, and45-12-29.
Law reviews.- For note on the 2001 enactment of this Code section, see 18 Ga. St. U. L. Rev. 114 (2001).
RESEARCH REFERENCES
Am. Jur. 2d.
- 26 Am. Jur. 2d., Elections, § 303 et seq.
C.J.S.- 29 C.J.S., Elections, § 144 et seq.