USA03 April, 20261 min read
Georgia Senate Blocks House Elections Bill; QR Code Ban Looms
Georgia's 2026 session ended without resolving its voting machines dispute, risking hand marked ballots. Senate refused to vote on the bipartisan elections bill, prolonging the policy stalemate.
Session Ends Without Elections Solution
Georgia lawmakers adjourned without resolving the election equipment conflict. The House passed a bill to delay QR code removal until 2028, but the Senate never took a vote.
The failure means counties must revert to hand-marked paper ballots with no plan or funding. The session went until 1 a.m., with no agreement on the QR code deadline.
Senate Blocks House Bill 960 Despiste Passage
The House approved a sweeping elections reform package. The Senate never took up House Bill 960. The disconnect complicates implementation and risks legal chaos.
No Funding or Plan for Midterms
County election directors warned of voter confusion with no plan or funding. Counties face logistical challenges two months before the midterms.
Both sides blame each other while solutions remain elusive. The budget included no dedicated funding for equipment replacement.
Special Session Looming
All sides acknowledged a special session is increasingly likely. Kemp could call a special session before the July deadline. The failure leaves an election year hung on unresolved questions.