The Gullah Geechee community, particularly on Sapelo Island, faces existential threats from climate change and development pressures. Residents have legally battled McIntosh County officials after being denied the chance to vote on a referendum crucial for their community's future. Despite a lower court's ruling to halt voting, residents, supported by organizations and state representatives, appealed the decision. The Georgia Supreme Court's review of the context behind the Home Rule provision of the state constitution could significantly impact local governance and resident rights in this historic community.
Last year, Sapelo Island residents sued county officials for blocking them from holding a crucial vote that could determine whether they would be displaced from the last Gullah Geechee community on the Georgia coast.
Hundreds of thousands of people are part of the community, which is threatened by climate change, gentrification and real estate developers.
The issue stems from a lower court ruling that ordered an October 2024 election be halted during early voting, a decision aligned with commissioners who filed the lawsuit.
The Baileys and Walker appealed the decision, standing in solidarity at the Georgia Supreme Court, where nine justices heard oral arguments in their case.
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