government
A last-minute change to Georgia’s ballot QR code bill could steer voting in a new direction
By Maya Homan | Georgia Recorder at Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods)
· July 6, 2026
· 6 min read
Georgia’s ballot QR code crisis is resolved for now, but a late change to an elections bill passed during last month’s special session adds a new twist to the question of how future elections across the state will be run.
Under a state law passed in 2024, Georgia could no longer use QR codes ...
Key takeaway Mary Margaret Oliver and Tim Fleming speak at the Government Affairs Committee on June 23, 2026.
Why this matters in The Atlanta
The updated bill's emphasis on hand-marked paper ballot systems could have significant implications for Fulton County, where Atlanta is located. As the state's most populous county, Fulton has historically faced challenges in administering elections, including long lines and voting machine issues. A shift to hand-marked paper ballots could alleviate some of these concerns, but it also raises questions about the feasibility of implementing such a system in a county with over 800,000 registered voters. The special committee's focus on ballot on-demand printing may help to address some of these logistical concerns, but it remains to be seen how this new system would be implemented and funded in Fulton County. Atlanta voters will be watching closely to see how this new direction in voting systems plays out, and whether it will lead to more efficient and secure elections in the city.
About this story
Original reporting by Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) . The Atlanta surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Georgia’s ballot QR code crisis is resolved for now, but a late change to an elections bill passed during last month’s special session adds a new twist to the question of how future elections across the state will be run.
Under a state law passed in 2024, Georgia could no longer use QR codes ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods) and curated for The Atlanta readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Maya Homan | Georgia Recorder at Rough Draft Atlanta (intown neighborhoods). To learn more about how The Atlanta selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Atlanta, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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