24 LC 47 2682
House Bill 976
By: Representatives LaHood of the 175
th
, Anderson of the 10
th
, Leverett of the 123
rd
,
Blackmon of the 146
th
, Jones of the 25
th
, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
1
primaries and elections generally, so as to provide that ballots used in optical scan voting2
systems shall use paper with a visible watermark security feature; to provide that ballots used3
in ballot marking devices shall use paper with a visible watermark security feature; to4
provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.5
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:6
SECTION 1.7
Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to primaries and8
elections generally, is amended by revising Code Section 21-2-372, relating to ballot9
descriptions, as follows:10
"21-2-372. 11
Ballots shall be of suitable design, size, and stock to permit processing by a ballot scanner12
and shall be printed in black ink on clear, white, or colored material. Other than ballots13
delivered electronically to qualified electors who are entitled to vote by absentee ballot14
under the federal Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, 52 U.S.C.15
Section 20301, et seq., the ballots shall be printed on security paper that incorporates16
H. B. 976
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features which can be used to authenticate the ballot as an official ballot but which do not
17
make the ballot identifiable to a particular elector, provided that at least one such feature
18
is a visible watermark that identifies the ballot as an official Georgia ballot."19
SECTION 2.20
Said chapter is further amended in Code Section 21-2-379.23, relating to requirements for21
ballot display, role of Secretary of State, and printed paper ballot controls during recount, by22
revising subsection (b) as follows:23
"(b) The form and arrangement of ballots marked and printed by an electronic ballot24
marker shall be prescribed by the Secretary of State; provided, however, that such ballots25
shall be printed on security paper that incorporates features which can be used to26
authenticate the ballot as an official ballot but which do not make the ballot identifiable to27
a particular elector; provided, further, that at least one such feature is a visible watermark28
that identifies the ballot as an official Georgia ballot."29
SECTION 3.30
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.31
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