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ATLANTA (WJBF) — Georgia’s legislators are under pressure to revamp the state’s voting system, following the passage of a law that prohibits the use of QR codes for counting ballots. This change is scheduled to be implemented this summer.
Although voting reform was high on the agenda during the legislative session, many proposals did not advance before last week’s crucial Crossover Day deadline.
Nonetheless, the previously enacted Georgia Senate Bill 189 mandates that the state must cease using QR codes for vote tabulation by July 1.
With the legislative session nearing its end, lawmakers have less than nine days to decide on how Georgia will adhere to this new regulation.
Some legislators are advocating for a shift to hand-marked paper ballots, arguing that this approach could enhance transparency and bolster voter confidence.
Mark Newton, a Republican from Augusta, said many voters are more comfortable with ballots that do not rely on computer systems.
“Paper ballots that can be audited are crucial,” Newton said. “A lot of people are more comfortable without having a computer between them and the marking of their ballot. Hand-marked paper ballots are the gold standard we’re aiming for, but getting there by November is a challenge.”
Critics argued switching entirely to paper ballots statewide could be costly and difficult to implement before the upcoming elections.
Lawmakers are now reviewing whether Georgia’s current voting machines could be modified to read the printed text on ballots instead of QR codes. That option could require significant software changes or even new equipment.
Karlton Howard, a Democrat from Augusta, said lawmakers must also consider the financial burden on local governments.
“If the state mandates changes, we also have to make sure cities and counties have the funding to implement them,” Howard said.
Another option being discussed is a hybrid system, continuing to use touchscreen machines to print ballots while shifting to manual counting rather than relying on QR codes for tabulation.
Georgia voters are expected to head to the polls several times this year, including April runoffs, the May primary, a possible June runoff and the November general election.
Lawmakers must pass the state budget before April 2, the final day of the 2026 legislative session, as they work to determine how the state will meet the upcoming voting system deadline.