Elections; prohibit bar codes, QR codes, and other machine codes on ballots printed by electronic ballot markers
Impact
If enacted, this bill will have a significant impact on how elections are conducted in Georgia. By excluding the use of bar codes and similar machine codes, the bill seeks to enhance the transparency of the voting process, potentially mitigating concerns about vote manipulation or miscounting that could arise with such technology. However, the impact on accessibility and the efficiency of ballot processing using electronic systems will also need to be considered, as these technologies have been integrated into modern voting systems for their benefits in speed and accuracy.
Summary
House Bill 975 aims to amend certain provisions of Georgia's election code to prohibit the use of bar codes, QR codes, and other machine codes on ballots that are printed by electronic ballot markers. This legislative change is rooted in a broader concern for maintaining the integrity and transparency of the voting process. The bill emphasizes that the official ballot should consist solely of the text portion marked and printed by the electronic ballot marker, ensuring that the elector's selections are clearly visible and verifiable without the interference of machine-readable codes.
Contention
The passage of HB 975 is expected to generate discussions around voting technology and its implications for election security. Proponents of the bill argue that eliminating machine codes from ballots will safeguard against vulnerabilities posed by such technologies, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the electoral process. On the other hand, critics may argue that such a prohibition could lead to longer processing times and may exacerbate logistical challenges in election management, especially in efficiently handling high volumes of ballots.
Elections and Primaries; electors to cast physical absentee on-request ballots as an alternative to using other authorized means of casting in-person votes; authorize
Prohibits local boards of elections from purchasing direct recording electronic machines; requires local boards of elections to provide hand marking and ballot marking device options at all polling places.
Prohibits local boards of elections from purchasing direct recording electronic machines; requires local boards of elections to provide hand marking and ballot marking device options at all polling places.
In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.