Battleground: Ballot Box

Georgia Public Broadcasting

It’s been nearly three years since a failed attempt to overturn Georgia’s presidential results. Now, a grand jury in Atlanta will soon decide if former President Donald Trump and his allies will face criminal charges for their actions. In this special season of Battleground: Ballot Box, Georgia Public Broadcasting political reporter Stephen Fowler continues to track the fight for who we vote for and how those votes are counted with an in-depth look at historic investigation into election interference, from incitement to indictments.

  • 11 minutes 31 seconds
    The Fight to Support Rural Georgia Communities

    Georgia lawmakers Bill Werkheiser and Carden Summers join us to discuss the challenges facing rural communities, from hospital closures to economic incentives aimed at keeping young people local. They share insights into proposed legislation, including the Rural Incentive Act and efforts to stabilize struggling hospitals. This conversation offers a closer look at how policy decisions under the Gold Dome impact rural Georgia and your community.

    26 March 2026, 2:58 pm
  • 19 minutes 20 seconds
    Georgia Budget Explained: Tax Cuts, Surplus Spending, & What It Means for You

    Georgia lawmakers break down the state’s amended and upcoming budgets, explaining how billions in tax revenue are allocated and what proposed income tax cuts could mean for your wallet. You’ll hear how education, mental health, and property tax relief are shaping spending priorities, along with insights into surplus funds and economic pressures. This episode helps you understand how state budget decisions directly impact your daily life in Georgia.

    24 March 2026, 3:38 pm
  • 11 minutes 32 seconds
    New Georgia Bills on Hidden Fees, Hotel Scams, and Voting Rights

    This episode breaks down new Georgia legislation focused on consumer protection and voting access. Senator Sonya Halpern discusses bills targeting hotel booking scams and hidden fees, while Senator Randall Mangham outlines proposals to expand voter participation. This episode of Lawmakers: Spotlight explains how these policies could impact your money, your vote, and Georgia’s economic fairness.

    21 March 2026, 5:30 pm
  • 13 minutes 43 seconds
    Economic Uncertainty in Georgia: Tariffs, Taxes, and Small Business Impact

    Donna sits down with Georgia Chamber CEO Chris Clark to examine the state’s economic outlook, from rising costs and global conflict to legislative decisions shaping business growth. This episode explores how policy changes, innovation, and workforce development are impacting Georgia businesses. You will hear how small businesses are navigating uncertainty and what leaders are watching under the Gold Dome.

    20 March 2026, 2:01 pm
  • 9 minutes 26 seconds
    Inside Georgia’s Push to Regulate Social Media and AI for Kids

    Georgia lawmakers are confronting the growing impact of social media and artificial intelligence on children’s mental health. In this episode, we hear powerful testimony from families and explore proposed legislation aimed at reducing addictive platform design and improving online safety. Learn how these policies could shape the digital experiences of kids and families across Georgia.

    17 March 2026, 3:47 pm
  • 12 minutes 10 seconds
    Georgia Lawmaker Todd Jones on AI, Robots, and the Future of Work

    Georgia Representative Todd Jones, chairman of the House Committee on Technology and Infrastructure Innovation, joins the show to discuss how artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, and automation could reshape Georgia’s workforce, education system, transportation, and agriculture. Jones discusses the need for rapid workforce upskilling, emerging technologies like autonomous transit and air taxis, and how the state hopes to lead the nation in innovation.

    12 March 2026, 4:31 pm
  • 7 minutes 45 seconds
    Georgia Lawmaker Casey Carpenter on Homelessness Prevention and Free Speech in Music

    Homelessness is rising across Georgia, and lawmakers are debating new ways to address the crisis before people lose their housing. In this episode, Representative Casey Carpenter discusses a proposal to prevent homelessness by helping families stay in their homes. The conversation also explores a bill addressing whether song lyrics and other artistic expressions should be used as evidence in criminal trials.

     

    11 March 2026, 6:00 am
  • 14 minutes 5 seconds
    School Discipline, Financial Literacy, and Juvenile Justice Reform

    Georgia lawmakers discuss legislation that could reshape the experience of students and teachers across the state. Senator Chuck Payne and Representative Miriam Paris explore proposals to address school discipline policies, financial literacy education starting in the early grades, and changes to how 17-year-olds are treated in the justice system. 

    10 March 2026, 2:50 pm
  • 10 minutes 52 seconds
    Burt Jones Discusses Taxes, Schools, and Mental Health Funding

    Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones discusses major policy priorities, including eliminating the state income tax, expanding student political speech protections, and investing in mental health services. This episode explores new legislation inspired by the legacy of conservative activist Charlie Kirk that aims to promote civic engagement and political expression among students. The conversation highlights Georgia’s ongoing debates over taxes, education policy, and mental health funding.

    5 March 2026, 9:00 am
  • 10 minutes 12 seconds
    Georgia Legislators Discuss Domestic Violence Safety Act and Education Bills

    Georgia lawmakers are introducing legislation aimed at preventing human trafficking, supporting domestic violence survivors, and improving literacy in schools. On this episode, Representatives Deborah Bazemore and Mary Ann Santos discuss proposals including hotel training requirements to identify trafficking, temporary firearm restrictions tied to protective orders, and a writing program designed to boost literacy among elementary students.

    4 March 2026, 4:00 pm
  • 11 minutes 14 seconds
    Georgia Lawmakers Suggest Death Penalty for Human Trafficking

    Georgia lawmakers are considering new legislation aimed at combating human trafficking and strengthening criminal penalties. In this episode of Lawmakers Spotlight, Representatives David Clark and Johnny Chastain discuss proposals ranging from the death penalty for convicted traffickers to closing loopholes in Georgia’s pimping laws. The conversation explores how these policies could affect victims, law enforcement, and the justice system across the state.

    4 March 2026, 1:50 am
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