On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, a group of Savannah and Chatham County citizens boarded a bus to Atlanta to protest the opening day of a Special Legislative Session. The session was called by Governor Brian Kemp to redraw Georgia’s political maps along partisan lines, a move that the protestors believe will reduce the value of many citizens’ votes.

Protestors’ Concerns

The protestors are concerned that further redistricting along partisan lines will suppress the voices of ordinary citizens, reminiscent of the Jim Crow South. Barbara Gooby, former candidate for State Senate District 1 and organizer of the bus trip, said, ‘We cannot stand by while politically powerful and wealthy people take away ordinary citizens’ right to choose who represents us. Your vote is your voice where you live, in Atlanta, and in Washington. We will not be silent when our voices and our neighbors’ voices are suppressed by those who want to stay in power by any means necessary.’

Original reporting: The Savannah Tribune — read the source article.