Canvassers in Atlanta, led by volunteers like Sienna Giraldi and Gabriel Sanchez, are on a mission to collect signatures for a referendum seeking to cancel the city’s lease of a proposed police and firefighter training centre, popularly known as “Cop City.” The training centre has become a focal point of national attention, with environmentalists and anti-police protesters voicing their opposition. However, the canvassers face challenges as they try to persuade over 70,000 registered voters to sign the petition.
The original deadline for the petition drive was mid-August, but a federal judge recently extended it to late September, providing a boost to the effort. Technically, the organizers need 58,203 valid signatures by August 14 to qualify for the November ballot, but they set a higher goal to account for potential disqualifications. If the target isn’t reached until late August or September, the referendum may not happen until March, possibly coinciding with a competitive GOP presidential primary that could influence voter turnout. Additionally, construction of the training centre could proceed in the meantime unless a judge intervenes.
As of July 25, the drive had gathered over 30,000 signatures, and organizers are optimistic about reaching their goal. They argue that the city’s mayor and council have not adequately addressed public opposition to the $90 million, 85-acre training centre, which has raised concerns about police militarization and environmental impact in a predominantly Black and economically disadvantaged area known as the South River Forest.
City officials, however, defend the campus, stating that it would replace outdated facilities and improve police morale, which has been affected by recruitment and retention challenges, especially after the 2020 protests over racial injustice. Mayor Andre Dickens has emphasized that the facility would offer progressive training and curriculum while addressing concerns related to noise pollution and environmental issues.
In June, despite significant public opposition during a 14-hour public hearing, council members voted 11-4 to allocate $67 million for the project. In response, organizers launched the petition drive to challenge the decision.
Canvassers have encountered mixed reactions from voters during their efforts. Some, like Lee Little, a Black construction worker, were swayed by the canvassers’ pitch and signed the petition, expressing the desire for voters to decide on the issue. However, others remain undecided or uninterested.
The signature drive in Atlanta is unprecedented in terms of numbers for a Georgia city. While there is precedent for referendums overturning projects, as seen last year in Camden County, it remains unclear whether citizens can veto decisions made by city governments.
City attorneys have sought to quash the Atlanta referendum, arguing that residents cannot retroactively revoke a lease agreement made in 2021. Despite these challenges, activists view the referendum as the most effective option to block the project. They have garnered support from various groups, including the Working Families Party and the New Georgia Project Action Fund.
The canvassing effort has also faced criticism due to a small number of activists resorting to violence, such as torching police motorcycles over the Fourth of July weekend. However, organizers maintain that the majority of the movement’s participants have not engaged in such actions.
Despite the challenges, the canvassers remain determined to make an impact. Even if they fall short of the required number of signatures, they believe that reaching a significant count would send a strong message to politicians ahead of the 2025 election.