The Georgia General Assembly adjourned its annual session early Friday without resolving a conflict over voting machines, leaving the state's election process in limbo ahead of a July deadline. Lawmakers failed to agree on new equipment to replace Dominion Voting Systems, which print ballots with QR codes now banned by state law.
Key Takeaways
Georgia's legislative session ended without resolving a conflict over voting machines. The state faces uncertainty about how to proceed before a July deadline for updating its voting system.
- Georgia General Assembly adjourned without agreeing on new voting equipment
- Current Dominion Voting machines use QR codes, now banned by state law
- House and Senate Republicans could not agree on a replacement plan
- Election officials warn of logistical challenges if changes are made before November
House Republicans and Democrats backed a proposal from House Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Victor Anderson to choose a voting process without QR codes by 2028. However, Senate Republicans declined to consider this plan, leaving the issue unresolved as per PBS. Democratic state Rep. Saira Draper criticized the Republican-controlled legislature for "abdicating their responsibility."
The current system requires counties to use Dominion machines, but no money has been allocated to reprogram them. Without action, the state may be required to use hand-marked and hand-counted paper ballots in November. Election officials warn that switching systems so close to the election would be nearly impossible.
Republican House Speaker Jon Burns said he would meet with Gov. Brian Kemp to discuss the possibility of a special legislative session. Kemp's spokesperson indicated the governor will examine the situation, but no immediate action was announced as per CBS News. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's office stated they are "ready to follow the law and follow the Constitution."
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