Georgia House Bill HB948

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/24

Caption

Elections; prohibit bar codes, QR codes, and other machine codes on ballots printed by electronic ballot markers

Impact

If enacted, HB948 will directly affect the procedures and requirements surrounding the printing and handling of ballots in Georgia. By disallowing machine codes on ballots, the bill aims to simplify the process of counting votes, reducing the chances for errors during recounts or audits due to misinterpretation of bar codes or other machine-generated codes. Proponents of the bill argue that this change is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral system, particularly in an era of heightened scrutiny surrounding election integrity.

Summary

House Bill 948 aims to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to prohibit the use of bar codes, QR codes, and other machine codes on ballots printed by electronic ballot markers. The legislation focuses on ensuring that the printed portion of the ballot retains its status as the official ballot used for vote tabulation, recounts, and audits. This change is intended to enhance the transparency and security of the voting process by eliminating potential risks associated with machine-readable codes that could compromise the integrity of elections.

Contention

Despite the bill's intention to bolster election security, there may be points of contention among lawmakers and electoral stakeholders. Supporters emphasize the importance of safeguarding voter integrity, while opponents may raise concerns about the implications for modern electronic voting systems that utilize codes for efficiency and accuracy. The debate may revolve around finding a balance between enhancing security and maintaining the technological advantages offered by electronic voting systems. Potential legal challenges could arise regarding pre-existing state and federal voting regulations and their adaptability to this new prohibition.