Key facts
- Georgia Senate Republicans approved an amendment requiring hand recounts for top-of-ballot races in November.
- The bill aims to address concerns over the state's QR code voting system, which is set to be banned on July 1.
- Democrats argue hand recounts would cause chaos, sow doubt, and are more prone to error and costlier than machine counts.
- The amended bill would push the deadline for the QR code system to 2028 and establish a committee to recommend a new voting system.
- Plans for redrawing congressional and legislative districts were postponed.
Georgia's Republican-controlled Senate has approved an amendment to a bill that would require hand recounts of ballots in the state's upcoming midterm elections, a move strongly opposed by Democrats. The legislation is intended to address the state's current QR code-based voting system, which is set to be banned on July 1, but lawmakers have struggled to find a replacement. Republicans argue the hand recount amendment will bolster voter confidence, while Democrats contend it will lead to chaos, errors, and doubt about election outcomes. Research suggests hand counting is more error-prone and costly. The bill also proposes extending the deadline for the QR code system to 2028 and establishing a committee to recommend a new voting system. Meanwhile, plans for redistricting were postponed. The controversy is fueled by ongoing debates and conspiracy theories surrounding Georgia's voting machines, particularly following President Donald Trump's unsubstantiated claims of fraud in the 2020 election.