#StatePolitics | AM 1180 Radio

June 22, 2026

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.

June 7, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Governor Kemp Expands Special Session Agenda to Include Property Tax Referendums and Appointments

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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has expanded the agenda for the General Assembly’s upcoming special session, adding several items beyond the previously announced discussions on redistricting and election law changes.

May 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

New Georgia Law Allows Property Owners To Sue Over Public Nuisance Enforcement

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A new Georgia law taking effect July 1st will allow property owners to seek compensation if they believe local governments are not doing enough to enforce public nuisance laws.

House Bill 295 applies to issues such as public camping, vandalism, and panhandling. Supporters say the law is designed to push cities and counties to enforce existing ordinances when public nuisance activity hurts businesses, property values, or public safety.

State Representative Jesse Petrea, who co-sponsored the bill, said some business owners have complained about losing customers and property value when people feel unsafe near encampments or panhandling areas.

However, critics worry the law could have a negative impact on people experiencing homelessness. Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said public spaces should remain open to everyone as long as people are not creating a nuisance.

Property owners who file claims will have to prove that nuisance behavior caused financial loss and that local government willfully failed to enforce the law.

House Bill 295 became law on May 12th and is scheduled to take effect July 1st.

May 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Jones and Jackson Advance to GOP Runoff for Georgia Governor

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Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones has advanced to a Republican runoff in the race for governor following Tuesday’s Primary Election.

According to statewide results, Jones and businessman Rick Jackson emerged as the top two Republican candidates and will now face each other in a runoff election. Neither candidate received the required majority of votes needed to secure the nomination outright.

Jones, who currently serves as Georgia’s lieutenant governor, carried a number of counties across Northwest Georgia, including strong support in Chattooga County. Jackson also performed well statewide, setting up what is expected to be a closely watched runoff race in the coming weeks.

The winner of the Republican runoff will advance to the General Election later this year.

May 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Gov. Kemp Signs New Bills Supporting Georgia Law Enforcement

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Governor Brian Kemp signed multiple pieces of legislation this week aimed at strengthening public safety and supporting law enforcement officers across Georgia during a ceremony following the annual Public Safety Memorial Ceremony in Forsyth.

April 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Big Money And Endorsements Pour Into Georgia Races Ahead Of Primary

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With Georgia’s primary election approaching, campaigns across the state are ramping up efforts as major endorsements and large amounts of campaign money begin to shape key races.