Georgia lawmakers race to avert July 1 vote-counting ban
What's next: A special session starting Wednesday could delay the barcode ban as a July U.S. House special election nears.
Georgia lawmakers are set to return to Atlanta this week to fix a looming election problem before a July 1 deadline bars the QR-code system now used to count votes statewide. The ban was written into a 2024 law, but officials never put a replacement tabulation method in place. Gov. Brian Kemp included the issue in a special session that also will tackle new congressional maps for 2028. The secretary of state's office and the State Election Board have issued conflicting guidance to counties, raising the risk of confusion and court fights. The timing is especially urgent because a special election to fill the remainder of U.S. Rep. David Scott's term is scheduled for July.