Gov. Brian Kemp signed SB 3EX on June 25, 2026. The measure expands risk-limiting audits and adds provisions for automatic hand recounts in close races starting July 1.
Expanded Audits Require Hand Counts of Multiple Contests
The law broadens Georgia's risk-limiting audits, which have operated since 2020. Under the new rules, counties must hand count randomly selected ballot batches across multiple contests to verify machine tabulations.
These audits now cover more races per election cycle. The change increases the scope beyond prior single-contest checks and links directly to potential full hand recounts when margins fall within 0.5 percent.
Special Session Tied to QR Code Deadline
Lawmakers passed the bill during a special session convened partly to meet a July 1 deadline on QR codes for ballots. The legislation delays broader voting equipment upgrades until 2028 while adding the hand recount triggers for tight statewide results.
Officials balanced the QR code compliance with the new audit expansions. The session produced a package that maintains current equipment timelines yet strengthens verification steps for runoff and close contests.
