Georgia Election Board Passes 3-1 Resolution on Hand-Marked Ballots

The Georgia State Election Board voted 3-1 on June 4 to let counties switch to hand-marked paper ballots for the November 2026 general election. Vice Chair Janelle King introduced the measure. The non-binding resolution directly contradicts guidance from the Secretary of State’s office that counties must keep using the current QR code machines.

Board Overrides State Guidelines on Voting Equipment

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger’s office has told counties to stick with the existing system. The new resolution opens the door for local officials to prepare hand-marked ballots instead. Counties that choose this route would need to handle paper ballots without the QR code tabulation that current machines provide.

The 3-1 vote came after King, recently appointed to the vice chair post, brought the measure forward. One member opposed the step. This split marks a clear break from the Secretary of State’s position on equipment use.

March Resolution Built Momentum for Paper Ballots

In March the same board passed a unanimous resolution urging lawmakers to move to hand-marked paper ballots as soon as possible. That earlier action set the stage for the June vote. Both resolutions respond to a 2024 state law that bans QR codes for vote tabulation starting in July 2026.

The March measure called for the change without waiting for further delays. The June follow-up gives counties explicit permission to prepare for paper ballots if the Legislature does not act. Together the two votes show consistent board pressure on the issue.

Legislature Must Address Transition Deadline

Georgia law from 2024 requires the shift away from QR codes by July 2026. Proposed legislation would delay that requirement, but no final action has occurred. The board’s resolution serves as a backup plan if those bills stall.

Counties now have a formal option on the table ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Local election officials can begin planning for hand-marked ballots while waiting to see whether lawmakers extend the current system.

Counties and Lawmakers Face Immediate Choices

Local governments must decide whether to invest in paper ballot infrastructure before November. The board’s action does not force any county to change systems. It simply removes one layer of state-level restriction.

Lawmakers return to session with the July 2026 deadline approaching. Any delay bill would need to clear both chambers and reach the governor before that date. The board’s resolution remains in place regardless of legislative outcome.