Voting System Deadline Looms as Georgia Legislators Stall

Counties face uncertainty as state fails to make critical decisions on voting technology before July deadline

Apr. 6, 2026 at 10:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Georgia's Republican-led legislature has set a July 2026 deadline to eliminate touchscreen voting and QR codes in state elections, but lawmakers have failed to pass any changes to the voting system or delay the deadline during this year's legislative session. With no clear transition plan in place, county and city leaders are frustrated by the lack of guidance on election guidelines.

Why it matters

The upcoming midterm elections in Georgia, including the high-profile governor's race and U.S. Senate contest, are fast approaching. The state's failure to address the voting system deadline could lead to chaos and confusion for election officials and voters if a solution is not found soon.

The details

Two years ago, the Georgia legislature set a self-imposed deadline of July 2026 to eliminate touchscreen voting and QR codes in state elections. However, during this year's legislative session, lawmakers did not pass any changes to the state's voting system or delay the deadline. They also failed to decide on a transition plan. This leaves counties in a difficult position, as they cannot rely on the current voting system after the July deadline. The state does have an emergency backup system featuring hand-marked paper ballots, which is what many GOP legislators wanted all along. But without clear guidance from the state, county and city leaders are frustrated by the lack of direction on election procedures.

  • In 2024, the Georgia legislature set a July 2026 deadline to eliminate touchscreen voting and QR codes.
  • During the 2023 legislative session, lawmakers did not pass any changes to the voting system or delay the deadline.

The players

Brian Kemp

The governor of Georgia, who could call a special legislative session to address the voting system deadline.

Georgia Legislature

The Republican-led state legislature that set the 2026 deadline for eliminating touchscreen voting and QR codes, but failed to pass any changes or a transition plan during the 2023 session.

County and City Leaders

Local election officials who are frustrated by the lack of guidance from the state on how to proceed with the upcoming elections.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Gov. Brian Kemp could call a special legislative session to address the voting system deadline and transition plan before the upcoming midterm elections.

The takeaway

The failure of Georgia's legislature to make critical decisions about the state's voting system before a key deadline has created uncertainty and frustration for election officials, raising concerns about the integrity and administration of the upcoming midterm elections.