Georgia Faces Election Equipment Uncertainty Ahead of the 2026 Midterms
S.B. 189 (2024) prohibited ballots that tabulate votes with a QR-code, or the use of any ballot that relies on barcodes for tabulation. This prohibition takes effect July 1, 2026 — meaning the ballots and systems currently in place statewide would not be available this November. An equipment overhaul is a significant undertaking such as this would require all new machines and software.
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As a result of this ban, Georgia election administrators could have to rely on hand-counting ballots or conducting a count twice — once with the QR-code and then a machine count based on the ballot text. These options would cost localities significantly in resources and time. These options are also in conflict with the goal of getting results on election night. Should Georgia officials use existing machines and processes — in violation of state law — bad actors may attempt to frame the move as problematic. This could open the door for bad actors to challenge ballots or election results.
No solution was enacted in the 2026 legislative session
It takes months — and a serious financial investment — to identify, purchase, and implement new voting systems. Even if the General Assembly had resolved this issue during the regular 2026 legislative session, election officials would have faced a tight timeline ahead of the November elections.
It is now impossible for the state to procure new machines or install new software ahead of this year’s midterms.
Steps the General Assembly can take during the June special session
Delay the effective date of S.B. 189 to January 1, 2028. The only practicable solution is to delay the effective date for the relevant provisions in S.B. 189 to January 1, 2028. This delay would allow counties to use current voting systems for the upcoming midterms. It also avoids misguided proposals to either count ballots by hand or ignore the requirements set forth by S.B. 189.
Fully fund new equipment and software purchases statewide. This delay would allow the state to identify, purchase, and deliver voting machines and software that complies with S.B. 189 on a reasonable timeline. It would also offer counties valuable time to train and prepare poll workers to use new equipment ahead of future elections.