#ElectionIntegrity | AM 1180 Radio

July 13, 2026

Georgia State Election Board Approves New Rules Aimed at Increasing Election Transparency

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The Georgia State Election Board has approved two new election rules supporters say are designed to increase transparency and public confidence in the state’s voting process ahead of the 2026 elections. The rules were adopted during the board’s July meeting following public comment and debate.

One of the new rules requires that vote tabulation and consolidation be conducted in public, allowing election observers to watch the process as precinct-level results are combined into countywide totals. State law already allows authorized poll watchers to observe many aspects of the election process, and supporters say the rule further reinforces public access.

The board also approved a rule giving State Election Board members access to the Secretary of State’s election operations center, often referred to as the “election night bunker,” during elections. Supporters say the change provides additional oversight, while critics have questioned whether the board has the legal authority to require such access.

The rule changes come as Georgia prepares for the 2026 election cycle and continue an ongoing discussion over election administration and transparency in the state.

June 22, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Republicans Move To Keep Touchscreen Voting System Ahead Of Midterms

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Georgia Senate Republicans have approved legislation that would delay a state law banning the use of QR codes to count votes, keeping the state’s touchscreen voting system in place through the 2026 midterm elections. The measure passed the Senate by a 33-19 vote and now heads to the Georgia House for consideration.

The legislation would postpone the QR code ban until January 2028 and create a committee to recommend specifications for Georgia’s next voting system. Lawmakers say the move is necessary to avoid confusion and potential legal challenges because the state has not yet developed or implemented a replacement system.

Gov. Brian Kemp called lawmakers into a special session in part to address the looming July 1 deadline established by a 2024 law that would prohibit counting votes through QR codes. Election officials have warned that making a major change before this fall’s elections could create logistical problems for counties and voters.

Georgia’s current voting system uses touchscreen machines that print paper ballots containing both a human-readable summary and a QR code that is scanned to tabulate votes. Critics have argued for years that voters cannot independently verify the information contained in the QR code, while supporters say changing systems too close to an election could create significant disruptions.

The Senate proposal would also require full hand recounts of the top two races on the ballot, a provision that has generated debate among lawmakers over the time and resources required to conduct such counts.

Democrats generally support delaying the QR code ban but criticized the bill’s process, arguing that the committee tasked with designing a future voting system lacks adequate bipartisan representation.

If approved by the House and signed into law, the measure would keep Georgia’s touchscreen voting system in place through at least the 2026 election cycle while state leaders work toward selecting a long-term replacement.