Georgia Moves Primary to March 3

The Legislature on Wednesday approved an early presidential primary date that makes Georgia’s the first Southern election of the campaign.

Gov. Zell Miller signed the measure after the House voted its approval. He said it would be forwarded immediately to the U.S. Justice Department. Under the Voting Rights Act, the Justice Department must review any change in Georgia election law for racial discrimination.

Georgia’s primary election was moved up to March 3, a week before Super Tuesday, when 11 states, most of them in the South, have their presidential primaries and caucuses.