Full Breakdown
Georgia Senate Extends QR-Code Ballot Use and Mandates Hand Recounts
6/21/2026, 5:40:35 AM
Legislative Action Extends QR-Code Ballot Use
On June 20, 2026, the Georgia Senate approved Senate Bill 3EX, postponing the July 1 deadline that would have ended the state’s QR-code ballot system for two years. The measure also requires counties to conduct manual recounts of the top two races in every election before certification. The bill passed 33-19; no Democratic senator voted in favor. It now proceeds to the House and, if unamended, to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk.
Background: QR-Code System and 2024 Ban Decision
Georgia adopted QR-code-enabled touchscreen voting machines in 2020, spending more than $100 million on the technology. In 2024, lawmakers voted to discontinue the system after right-wing activists alleged unfounded hacking and fraud. The original ban was set for July 1, 2025, but the Senate’s amendment delays the cutoff to July 1, 2027 while a new voting-system committee is formed.
Key Players and Committee Structure
- Sen. Max Burns (R) – sponsor of the bill.
- Sen. Kim Jackson (D) – Minority Whip, vocal opponent of the hand-recount amendment.
- Sen. Jaha Howard (D) – highlighted exclusion of Democrats from bill drafting.
- Sen. Josh McLaurin (D) – Democratic lieutenant-governor nominee, critic of the amendment.
- Sen. Harold Jones (D) – warned of procedural chaos.
- Governor Brian Kemp – convened the special session that considered the legislation.
The bill creates a nine-member Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee, with appointments split equally among the governor, the House speaker, and the Senate Committee on Assignments. The state Secretary of State is expressly barred from participating in the committee’s selection, certification, or procurement processes.
Data & Statistics
- QR-code ballots have been used since 2020.
- The system cost Georgia over $100 million.
- Senate vote: 33 yea, 19 nay; 0 Democrats supported.
- The new committee will consist of nine members.
- The amendment adds mandatory hand recounts for the top two races in every election.
Official Statements & Responses
Republican leaders argue the extension prevents administrative disruption and that the hand-recount provision adds a “safeguard” against potential machine errors. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Max Burns, said the legislation is “not perfect, but good.” Governor Kemp’s office has indicated support for the bill as a means to maintain continuity while a future system is studied. The committee’s composition, with equal appointments from the three branches, is presented as a bipartisan framework for evaluating new voting technology.
Criticism & Opposition
Democratic senators contend the amendment will “substantially delay certification” and increase county costs. They criticize the exclusion of the Secretary of State from the committee and the lack of guaranteed Democratic representation on the nine-member panel. Activists and some legislators argue the hand-recount requirement adds “superfluous layers” driven by election denial rather than security needs.
On-the-Ground Perspective
Voter Sam Carnline testified outside the Senate chamber, stating, “I want the QR codes off my ballot so I know my voter intent is tabulated,” reflecting grassroots demand for paper-ballot alternatives.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Proponents cite no evidence of QR-code machine hacking, while election conspiracists continue to claim vulnerabilities. The bill’s language forbids the Secretary of State from influencing equipment selection, yet it allows advisory input from the elections director, creating ambiguity about the office’s actual influence.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This could substantially delay the certification process,” — Sen. Kim Jackson, Georgia Minority Whip (D)
- “Over the last several weeks, Democrats were not included in any discussion about this bill,” — Sen. Jaha Howard (D)
- “We’re now amending the bill to add superfluous layers of election process manual recounts for races, that do not enhance the integrity or security of these elections relative to the cost they will impose on election administrators,” — Sen. Josh McLaurin (D)
- “Is the bill perfect? No. Is it good? Absolutely.” — Sen. Max Burns (R)
- “I want the QR codes off my ballot so I know my voter intent is tabulated,” — Sam Carnline, voter
What’s Next
The House will debate the bill, potentially amending its provisions on committee composition or the hand-recount requirement. If passed, Governor Kemp must sign before the extended deadline. Legal challenges are anticipated from voting-rights groups concerned about procedural fairness and the exclusion of the Secretary of State.
