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Ethics, abortion, gambling on Georgia primary ballot
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ATLANTA — Ethics, abortion and casino gambling are among the issues Georgia’s Republican and Democratic parties are asking their voters to weigh in on this primary election season.Georgia’s primary election is July 31, and early voting is already under way.The ballot questions don’t carry the weight of law, but what voters say on these issues could prompt lawmakers into action during next year’s legislative session. The questions were chosen by party leaders from around the state during their annual conventions earlier this year.Both parties are asking how voters feel about unlimited gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers, with the GOP ballot asking if gifts should be capped at $100. The idea has been circulating at the Legislature, but lawmakers have lacked the political will to address the issue.Georgia Tea Party Patriots state coordinator Debbie Dooley, a chief proponent of ethics reform, said the bipartisan attention to the issue shows that it is a priority among voters and could drive voter turnout in the primary.“This is something a lot of people are focused on,” Dooley said.