Elections; prohibit bar codes, QR codes, and other machine codes on ballots printed by electronic ballot markers; provisions
The implementation of HB998 will have notable ramifications for existing state election laws. By eliminating the allowance of ballot drop boxes and enforcing stricter identification requirements for voters, including disallowing out-of-state documentation, the bill may streamline the voting process but also raises concerns about accessibility and voter disenfranchisement. Critics argue that these restrictions could disproportionately affect certain groups of voters. Furthermore, the legislation alters the timetable for runoff elections, specifying that they will occur on the twenty-eighth day following a primary election, potentially lengthening the electoral timeline and complicating the electoral process.
House Bill 998 establishes significant amendments to Georgia's election laws, particularly focusing on the security and integrity of electronic voting systems. The bill mandates the prohibition of bar codes, QR codes, and other machine-readable codes on ballots that are printed by electronic ballot markers. This change is intended to enhance the physical verifiability of ballots in the election process, reinforcing the notion that the paper ballot reflects the voter's intent in a straightforward manner that is less susceptible to tampering. The bill also stipulates that all electronic ballot markers must undergo security audits conducted by accredited third-party contractors, thereby aiming to prevent unauthorized access or interference with the voting infrastructure.
Throughout discussions surrounding the bill, there has been contention regarding the balance between election security and voter access. Proponents of the bill assert that these measures are necessary to protect the integrity of elections, citing historical instances of election fraud, while opponents warn that such changes may limit access to the polls, exacerbating voting disparities among marginalized communities. There is a clear divide among legislators and advocacy groups about whether these measures strengthen the electoral process or undermine democracy by making it more difficult for eligible voters to participate.