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2h ago

Georgia Delays QR-Code Ban and Sets Panel With Narrowed Hand-Recount Rule

Preserving the current vote-count system for the 2026 midterms, the measure tasks a nine-member committee with recommending a replacement by Jan. 31, 2027.

A voting machine is seen as people vote in a runoff election at the C.T. Martin Recreation Center, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
A woman places her paper ballot into a machine after voting in a runoff election at C.T. Martin Recreation Center, Tuesday, June 16, 2026, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)
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Overview

  • The Georgia House voted 94-79 on Tuesday to approve an amended SB 3EX after the Senate had passed its version 33-19 earlier in the special session.
  • The bill pushes the July 1, 2026 ban on QR-code ballot tabulation back to Jan. 1, 2028 so the state can use the same machines for the 2026 midterms.
  • Lawmakers created a nine-member Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee that must report specifications and procurement recommendations by Jan. 31, 2027 to guide a new statewide system for 2028.
  • The House narrowed a Senate hand-recount proposal so that a manual count would apply only to top statewide contests when the margin is 0.5% or less and officials have 17 days to finish the recount.
  • Lawmakers included roughly $18 million to help local offices but county election officials warn of additional costs and certification delays, Democrats object to the committee’s partisan appointment structure, and the bill must return to the Senate for concurrence before going to the governor.