Georgia election officials raise concerns over QR code ballot ban deadline

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Local election officials are raising concerns about a looming deadline to ban QR code ballots with no clear replacement system in place as the primary election approaches.

Georgia is 40 days away from the primary election. As state lawmakers wrapped up the 2026 legislative session last week, they left behind unresolved issues tied to voting.

Georgia lawmakers voted in 2024 to get rid of QR code ballots. The deadline to stop the use of the ballots is July 1, right in the middle of the election cycle.

Lawmakers were set to vote to delay that deadline to 2028 to allow for more time to create a statewide voting system. However, the session ended before a vote could be held.

Currently, there is no clear plan for what systems will be used following the July deadline.

Local election officials express planning concerns

Chatham County Elections Director Brook Schreiner said elections cannot be planned overnight.

“A proper election execution you have to plan for that election six months in advance, so we are already starting on November, so the QR deadline just is not enough time,” Schreiner said.

Schreiner said her concern is less about which system is used and more about the lack of a cohesive voting plan.

“So, a lot of seats are open, and so having two different voting systems during a big election is not the best for voters and the transparency of the outcome,” Schreiner said.

Schreiner says the best case scenario includes lawmakers going into a special session and vote to delay the deadline.

The board’s concern is less about which system is used and more about the lack of a cohesive voting plan. They say the lack of a decision will create doubt among voters and lead to extra work for poll staff.

“To actually change in the middle of the process like that, yeah, you’re going to cause some complications there, you’re going to have some problems there,” said Cynthia Benford, a poll manager.

What voters can expect at the polls

When voters walk into their designated polling place on May 1, they will still use QR code ballots. The ballots will also be used in the June 16 runoff.

If the July deadline stays in place, the QR code ballots will be replaced come November.

Schreiner said the board’s top priority is the voters. She said all voters need to worry about what system is used and assures every vote will be counted. She asks they prepare for election day by checking registration, reviewing candidates and ballot questions, and reaching out if they have any questions.

“Come to me and ask me, come look at the processes, everything we do is open,” Schreiner said.