Do Georgia Voters Vote For Both Senators? Voting A U.S. Senator

The U.S election is one of the most complex elections in the world. Imagine Hillary Clinton getting more votes than Donald Trump, yet Trump became the winner. 

The presidential election is as complex as the state’s election. So it’s normal to find people asking questions about the elections in the United States of America.

So, do Georgian voters vote for both senators? Here is what you need to know. 

Do Georgia Voters Vote For Both Senators?

Yes, Georgia voters vote for both senators. The state has two senators, and they both represent the people of the state. 

So voters can cast their votes for both senators, but it will be on different ballots. 

How Many Terms Can A Georgia Senator Serve?

A Georgian senator can seek re-election as many times as he or she pleases. Senators generally have an unlimited 6 years term. 

However, Article I, Section 3 of the United States Constitution requires senators to be divided into three categories, specifically for the purpose of election. 

Every two years, members of one class, which represents one-third of the senate, will have an election or seek re-election. 

Also, note that no state has two of its senators up for election at the same time. It can happen though, but only when there’s a vacancy to fill.

A Handy Tip: Georgia’s longest serving senators are Walter George (1922 – 1957) and Richard Russell (1933 – 1971). 

What Are The Qualifications To Run For Senator In Georgia?

Article I, Section 3 of the United States Constitution states the qualifications candidates must possess to run for senate. 

The constitution divides the requirements into three. That is, age, citizenship and residency. It states that a candidate must be at least 30 years old when taking the oath of affirmation. 

Another criterion is one’s citizenship. You must be a citizen of the United States for at least 9 years and you must be resident in the state you want to represent in the senate at the time of the election.

In other words, you can’t live in California and run for senator to represent Georgia. You must be resident in the state. 

Joining a political party is the first step to becoming a senator representing Georgia. Then clinch the party’s ticket by winning the primary election. 

How Much Are Georgia Senators Earning?

A senator from Atlanta, Georgia’s annual salary is $199,023, while the national average senator earns $190,822. Therefore, Georgia senators earn 4% more than the national average.

However, senators in several metros also earn more than those from Atlanta Georgia. In fact, Georgian senators earn 13% less than what their counterparts earn in most states. This includes states like Denver, Washington, DC, and Seattle. 

Is It Possible For Georgia To Have Two Senators From The Same Party?

Yes, Georgia can have both senators from the same party. It happens in other states too. 

In fact, currently, about 41 states have senators that hailed from the same party. For example, the two current senators from Massachusetts, Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren, are Democrats. 

Note that political parties are private organizations, so the U.S. Constitution doesn’t recognize them. There’s no provision in the law for Republican or Democratic parties, and there never will be. 

The Constitution was written to help ensure continuity in the senate. There’s no provision for political parties in it. 

When two senatorial candidates from the same party win their election, they’ll serve in their respective capacity. Supporters of the opposition parties may grumble, but their dissatisfaction doesn’t change anything. 

Is It Possible For The U.S. President To Expel A Senator?

Being the United States President automatically bestows executive powers on an individual. Also, the executive powers the president possesses are backed up by the constitution. 

The president can fire members of the executive arm of government such as cabinet members and political appointees. The president doesn’t have the power to fire a senator, no matter the crime the latter commits. 

Who then has the power to remove a serving senator? The answer lies in the United States Constitution.

Article I, Section 5 of the Constitution states that each house of congress may decide their proceedings, such as how they want to punish members for disorderly behavior or expel a serving senator.

So every house has the power to set its rules. But then, expelling a serving senator will require the decision of two-third of its members.

A Handy Tip: Since 1789, the senate has expelled only 15 members. 

The Names Of U.S. Senators Expelled  

Only the senate has the power to expel or suspend a serving senator. And suspensions usually don’t exceed sixty days. 

Several senators have been expelled since 1789. There are 15 of them so far.

Below is a table showing the names of senators expelled and the reason they got kicked out of congress. 

So these are the senators expelled from congress. You can see that their crimes were majorly treason. 

Such a heavy crime doesn’t easily end up getting unpunished because of the damages it may cause. However, it will take a serious crime for the congress to make a move to expel a serving senator. 

Besides the names on this list, expulsion proceedings have been set in motion against several senators. However, some of the senators had to resign to avoid the disgrace, while others were tried but weren’t expelled. 

For example, in 2011, John Ensign, a Republican senator, had to resign before congress started its expulsion proceedings. The senator was charged with financial misappropriation that stemmed from his extramarital affairs. 

Bob Packwood had to resign in 1995 after being accused of sexual misconduct and abuse of power. He had to resign before the senate commenced voting. 

What Are The Roles Of A United States Senator?

Every arm of government has a role or roles to play. The executives have their roles, judiciary have their specific roles, likewise legislators. 

Understanding the roles senators play will enable you to appreciate the work our legislatures are putting in to make our control run smoothly.

So, what roles do senators play? What role does a Georgia senator play?

Whether from Georgia or another state, all senators have similar roles. The job of the senator is to ensure the voice of the masses is heard. The senator represents the masses in government. 

Here are the roles senators perform. 

• Propose legislation 
• Amend or draft bills 
• Filibuster (Block or delay legislation by engaging in debate)
• Oversight of federal budget
• Senators screen government appointees. They can approve or reject an appointee on several grounds. 
• The executives have the power to negotiate treaties with other foreign nations, but it’s left to congress to give approval. 
• The senate can convict an executive (e.g. the president) and judiciary, though such a move would require the vote of two-third members of the house. 

A Handy Tip: Please note that the Vice President is considered the President of the Senate, but can’t vote unless there is a tie. 

Another thing you need to know is that the United States senate boasts 20 committees. 

Conclusion

Do Georgia voters vote for both senators? Yes, Georgia voters can cast their votes for both senators, though it would be on different ballots. 

The United States elections are unique. Sometimes, you may need someone to give you an explanation to understand how it works. 

For instance, in the United States, each state has two senators. Therefore, there are 100 senators in the United States and each have 6 terms.

Senators have unlimited terms too. That is, they can decide to seek re-election as many times as they want. The only thing that can stop a senator is the electorates. 

Again, the president cannot expel a serving senator. In fact, it’s the other way around. However, the senate would need the votes of two-third of its members to convict and impeach a sitting president.