Story perspectives

Georgia's QR Code Ban Sparks Urgent Ballot Count Debate

4/17/2026

Center

Kemp Considers Legislative Session

Georgia faces a July 1 deadline as QR codes ban ballot counting with no replacement method.
Local clerks warn that inaction could cause chaos and invite legal repercussions.
Governor Brian Kemp is considering a special legislative session to address the issue.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has urged the State Election Board to consider hand-marked paper ballots as a backup.

Right

Johnson Welcomes Fuller

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson will welcome Rep.-elect Clay Fuller (R-Ga.), who won Georgia's 14th District by 12 points, defeating Shawn Harris.
The victory filled a GOP seat amid the House's narrow majority after Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation.
Democrats aim to gain ground with a special election in New Jersey's 11th District.
California's 1st District will hold a primary on June 2 to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Republican Rep. Doug LaMalfa.

History

Historical Context

The Voting Rights Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to eliminate racial discrimination in voting, particularly in the South. By 1970, registered Black voters in the South increased by 50%. Recent developments, such as Georgia's QR code ballot counting ban, echo historical struggles for voting rights, raising concerns about election integrity and access, reminiscent of past civil rights battles.

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Kemp Considers Legislative Session

Georgia faces a July 1 deadline as QR codes ban ballot counting with no replacement method.
Local clerks warn that inaction could cause chaos and invite legal repercussions.
Governor Brian Kemp is considering a special legislative session to address the issue.
Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has urged the State Election Board to consider hand-marked paper ballots as a backup.

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