Georgia's State Election Board has advanced a resolution seeking to implement hand-marked paper ballots ahead of the November 2026 general election, contradicting guidelines from the secretary of state's office directing counties to continue using Georgia's current voting machines.
The resolution, which is not binding, was introduced by newly appointed Vice Chair Janelle King and passed in a 3-1 vote Thursday.
King said the resolution would allow county election workers to switch to hand-marked paper ballots if the state Legislature fails to address an upcoming deadline. Under Senate Bill 189, which passed in 2024, QR codes cannot be used for the official ballot count after July 1.
A special session to address ballot QR codes, redistricting, and local property tax referendums is set to begin on June 17. State lawmakers, not the board, are responsible for establishing Georgia's election laws.
Board member Janice Johnston announced her resignation from the board Thursday.
Multiple board members have raised concerns that state lawmakers may not resolve the QR code issue in time for counties to prepare.