Full Breakdown
Georgia’s QR-Code Ban Forces Special Session Ahead of 2026 Deadline
6/14/2026, 10:22:01 PM
Core Issue and Background
Georgia’s ballot-marking machines print a QR code on each paper ballot, read by scanners for the election-night count. A 2024 law bars QR-code tabulation after July 1, 2026, but provides no alternative method or funding; the system debuted in the 2020 primary.
Key Actors and Official Stances
Gov. Brian Kemp called a June 17 special session, urging legislators to address the problems created by the QR-code ban. Sec. of State Brad Raffensperger told counties to keep using touchscreen machines and apply OCR of the printed text, noting the law bans hand-marked ballots. The Trump-aligned State Election Board passed a non-binding resolution allowing hand-marked paper ballots as an emergency backup if the deadline is not extended. Attorney General’s Office lawyer Elizabeth Young warned that divergent instructions will confuse officials; Henry County interim elections director Axiver Harris said his office awaits clarification.
Timeline, Election Stakes and Costs
The QR-code system began in 2020; a 2024 law bans its use after July 1, 2026. The Election Board adopted an emergency-ballot resolution on June 4, and the special session opened June 17. Early voting for the July 28 House special election (six counties) starts July 6. Modifying the system costs $25-$26 million; a full replacement could reach $300 million.
Opposition and Local Concerns
Election-integrity groups say voters cannot verify QR-code contents, eroding confidence. Trump supporters allege vote manipulation. Candidates Carlos Moore and Marcye Scott warn a rushed new method could trigger legal challenges. Harris urges waiting for clear direction before any changes.
Conflicting Guidance and Funding Gap
The Secretary of State’s OCR plan and the Election Board’s hand-marked-ballot resolution conflict over legal permissibility. No state funding has been appropriated, and the law lacks authority for paper-ballot backups, leaving counties without a vetted path forward.
Verbatim Quotes
- “obviously it would cause confusion for elections superintendents if they are getting differing instructions from two agencies, both of which have some authority over what they're doing.” — Elizabeth Young, Attorney General’s Office
- “Given the uncertainty surrounding the guidance currently available, we believe it is wise to wait for further direction to ensure that any decisions made are consistent with state requirements and election administration best practices,” — Axiver Harris, Henry County Interim Elections Director
- “My goal is to get people to the polls, get my people to the polls and get them to vote for me,” — Marcye Scott, Special-Election Candidate
- “I would ask that legislators do the right thing, leave well enough alone for the special election,” — Carlos Moore, Special-Election Candidate
Next Steps
The special session must decide whether to extend the July 1 deadline, fund a new tabulation system, or adopt the Election Board’s emergency paper-ballot plan before the July 28 election and the looming 2026 cutoff.
