POLITICS

Georgia lawmakers delay QR-code ban, debate hand recounts

PUBLISHED Jun 22, 2026, 5:03 PM ET

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Media Bias Meter

Sources: 6

Center 100%

Sources: 6

Atlanta, Georgia. State lawmakers this week adjusted rules on vote tabulation by voting to delay a planned July 1 ban on QR-code-based counting and to retain the existing QR-code system for the upcoming midterm elections. The special session called by Governor Brian Kemp produced a Senate amendment that briefly required hand recounts for top-ticket races before leaders limited that provision. This week’s legislative action drew immediate pushback from state Democrats and warnings from voting-rights activists about potential voter confusion in November. Republicans said the delay preserves operational stability through 2028; lawmakers and election officials now face implementation choices and potential legal, administrative, and procedural steps ahead of the fall midterm contests.

By Najma A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Two years ago: Georgia law set a July 1 ban on QR-code vote tabulation.
In the weeks before July 1: Governor Brian Kemp called a special legislative session.
Last week: Lawmakers indicated a deal to postpone the ban until 2028.
Weekend: Senate Republicans approved an amendment requiring hand recounts of top races.
Tuesday: Legislature passed a bill delaying QR-code changes to 2028 while limiting the recount mandate.

News Intelligence

Your vote in Georgia's midterm elections will still be counted via QR-code. This could affect how quickly results are reported. If you're voting in a top-ticket race, there may be a hand recount. Keep an eye on local news for any changes.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 6
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 6
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 100%, Right 0%

Who Benefited

Republican lawmakers and state election officials secured a delay in changing vote-counting equipment, maintaining the current QR-code-based system through 2028 and avoiding immediate operational changes ahead of the midterm elections.

Who Impacted

Voting rights advocates and some Democrats say they faced continued concerns about transparency and potential voter confusion because they warned changes so close to the midterms could disrupt polling operations.