On the Issues
ELECTIONS & DEMOCRACY
Commissioner Dana Barrett brings firsthand, in-depth knowledge about how elections are run and a big-picture perspective on the dangers of misinformation and political interference. Connecting what she has experienced protecting elections in Fulton County to the larger national picture, Dana helps people understand how legal challenges, policy changes, and intimidation tactics are impacting our democracy.
Dana’s work on elections includes:
- Successfully blocking efforts to seat election deniers on Fulton County’s election board despite facing jail time and substantial fines.
- Moderating multiple panel discussions on election security, voter access, and preparing for interference.
- Providing regular commentary on election administration and political interference in elections for local and national outlets.
AI & data centers
Dana’s legislative experience and decades spent in the technology sector give her a unique perspective on AI policy.
Her work on the board of Invest Atlanta, where she is responsible for approving tax incentives for developers, gives her keen insight on the economic and environmental tradeoffs when it comes to data centers.
Dana’s efforts include:
- Calling for clear policies governing AI use in legislative drafting and government operations.
- Challenging the use of unverified AI findings to question voter eligibility and drive election investigations.
- Working with local governments on economic development strategies that put community needs first.
AFFORDABILITY
Dana brings the perspective of a single mom, small-business owner, broadcaster, and elected leader to the challenge of affordability.
She advocates for long-term solutions that include broader economic opportunity and higher wages, protection against predatory financial practices, and that address the cost of necessities including housing, healthcare, and food.
Her work includes:
- Introducing and passing numerous resolutions funding affordable housing and small-business grants.
- Proposing dedicated funding for women’s healthcare, affordable housing, and homelessness prevention.
- Introducing legislation to stop private equity and corporate ownership of medical practices from driving up the cost of healthcare.
- Advocating for Medicaid expansion, affordable internet access, a higher minimum wage, and closing the gender pay gap.