EBJ In Practice

The state of Georgia employs a distinct system where county grand juries participate in the appointment of individuals to various local boards, a practice rooted in the state's historical governance. This extends beyond the traditional role of indictment, encompassing appointments to positions such as county voter registrars and ethics board members. Originating from Georgia's colonial era, the grand jury has functioned as a civic body, contributing to local oversight and selection.

Each of Georgia's 159 counties convenes a grand jury annually, typically composed of 16 to 23 citizens drawn from voter rolls. These bodies not only investigate criminal matters but also fulfill a critical function in local appointments. This system reflects a form of direct civic involvement, where randomly selected community members, through the grand jury, select individuals for key local positions.

County Voter Registrars

In Georgia, the selection of county registrars often involves input from the local grand jury, ensuring a level of citizen review in this critical election administration role. State law (O.C.G.A. § 21-2-212) mandates that in counties without a consolidated board of elections and registration, the Judge of the Superior Court appoints registrars based on recommendations received from the county's grand jury. Specific county practices further illustrate this: in Laurens County, the Chief Judge appoints registrars from a list recommended by the grand jury, and in Chatham County, the Senior Judge of Superior Court makes appointments from a list of ten names submitted by the grand jury.

Boards of Elections

Grand Juries in several Georgia counties also play a role in the composition of Boards of Elections, which oversee election conduct. This involvement ranges from direct appointment to nomination. For example, the Lowndes County Grand Jury, under the guidance of the Chief Judge of the Southern Judicial Circuit, directly appoints all members of the Lowndes County Board of Elections. In Haralson County, the Grand Jury is responsible for appointing one member of the five-person Board of Elections and Registration. In Towns County, the process involves nomination, where the Judge of the Superior Court appoints one member to the Board of Elections from a list of three names submitted by the Grand Jury. These practices highlight diverse methods by which Grand Jury input shapes the makeup of local election oversight bodies in Georgia.

Boards of Equalization

County-level bodies that hear appeals regarding property tax assessments. Georgia Code § 48-5-311 stipulates that members of the county boards of equalization are directly elected by the grand jury. The grand jury, in each county, is responsible for choosing individuals to serve on these boards. This direct selection ensures citizen involvement in the oversight of property tax assessments, with the grand jury's selections bringing community perspectives to the crucial role of ensuring fair property valuations. This process is a standard practice across Georgia counties.

Water and Sewerage Authorities

Cherokee County Water & Sewerage Authority (CCWSA) Board of Directors

The governing body of the CCWSA, responsible for managing water and sewerage services in Cherokee County, Georgia. The CCWSA is governed by a seven-person board of directors. Six of these seven members are chosen by a vote of the grand jury of Cherokee County.

Towns County Water and Sewerage Authority

The Towns County Water and Sewerage Authority provides another clear example of Election by Jury in practice. Established by law in 1977, the Authority consists of five members, all appointed by the grand jury of Towns County at the March term of the Superior Court. This long-standing implementation demonstrates how Election by Jury can be systematically integrated into ongoing county governance.

Brunswick-Glynn County Joint Water and Sewer Commission (BGJWSC) Commissioners

Individuals responsible for governing the joint water and sewer services for Brunswick and Glynn County, Georgia. Georgia legislation specifies that three of the seven seats on the BGJWSC are appointed by the Glynn County grand jury.

Government Oversight Commissions

Athens-Clarke County Overview Commission Members

Individuals appointed to review and evaluate the operations of the Athens-Clarke County government. The Athens-Clarke County grand jury is responsible for appointing members to the Athens-Clarke County Overview Commission. The grand jury actively seeks applicants, reviews their qualifications, and evaluates their suitability for the commission. This commission is tasked with reviewing and evaluating the operations of the Athens-Clarke County government. The grand jury's involvement ensures citizen oversight in the selection of those who will scrutinize local government operations.

Ethics Boards

Henry County Board of Ethics Members

Individuals serving on the board responsible for overseeing and enforcing ethical standards within Henry County government. The Henry County Board of Ethics is composed of seven members. Five of these members are elected by the grand jury.

Clayton County Board of Ethics

A similar structure was adopted in Clayton County with the passage of HB 794 in March 2025, which reconstitutes the Clayton County Board of Ethics with five of eight members elected by the grand jury.

Education Boards

Emanuel County Board of Education Contingency Appointments

In Emanuel County, while members of the Board of Education are typically elected by the voters, the code, if the standard electoral process fails to fill positions on the board – for instance, due to vacancies or other circumstances preventing appointment through election – the Emanuel County grand jury is authorized to appoint individuals to serve as members of the Board of Education. This represents an instance where the grand jury acts as a fallback mechanism to ensure the continuity of governance for the county school system when the electoral method is unsuccessful.