Georgia Election Officials Warn of Chaos Over QR Code Ban
Georgia election officials warn that a July 1 deadline banning QR codes on ballots lacks a replacement method and funding, potentially forcing a return to hand-marked paper ballots.
The Georgia General Assembly has banned the use of QR codes for ballot reading and tabulation effective July 1, yet legislators adjourned their session without specifying a replacement method or providing transition funding. While the Georgia House passed legislation to delay the deadline, the state Senate adjourned without a vote, leaving county officials without a legislatively approved counting alternative.
Local election leaders warn that the absence of direction creates logistical chaos, as equipment procurement and poll worker training typically require six months to a year. In Douglas County, officials estimate the unfunded transition could cost approximately $250,000. Some county supervisors caution that the lack of guidance may force them to choose which laws to break to ensure elections proceed.
State Senator Greg Dolezal has advocated for a transition to hand-marked paper ballots, a system the state has not used since 2000. However, the Georgia State Election Board's suggestion that counties prepare for paper ballots has been met with criticism. Officials from the Georgia Association of Voter Registration and Election Officials argue that such a shift before the November election is logically impossible for counties to execute independently, noting that sweeping changes during an election year could introduce unprecedented voter irregularities.
