Georgia lawmakers are continuing work on how the state will count ballots once its current QR-code-based voting system is phased out. A 2024 law originally required Georgia to stop using QR codes for vote tabulation by July 1, 2026, but lawmakers pushed that deadline to 2028 during a special session earlier this year. That means the existing system will remain in place for the November 2026 midterm elections. The Joint Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee is now considering what should replace it, with hand-marked paper ballots receiving significant attention after a separate legislative committee recommended making that transition.

Election officials caution that changing systems could be expensive and complicated, particularly because Georgia's counties vary dramatically in size and election complexity. Douglas County Elections Supervisor Milton Kidd is urging lawmakers not to treat hand-marked ballots as a foregone conclusion and instead evaluate all available options. Counties could face substantial expenses for ballots, scanners and ballot-on-demand printers, which Kidd says can cost around $5,000 each. Local officials are particularly concerned about how those costs would be divided between the state and county governments.

The issue is also entering the 2026 governor's race. Republican nominee Rick Jackson says he would support the recommendations of the largely Republican legislative committee and emphasized maintaining public confidence in election security. Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms had not responded to Atlanta News First's request for comment. Whatever lawmakers ultimately choose, Georgia has until 2028 to replace the QR-code tabulation system and determine how the new equipment and procedures will be funded.

Source: Lawmakers set to meet again on new way to count Georgia votes