The Georgia Assembly has enacted key legislation aimed at bolstering election security through various measures including distinctive watermarks on ballots and the elimination of QR-coded ballots.
Uncover DC reported that the Georgia Assembly cast its final vote just past midnight on Mar. 28 to implement pivotal measures intended to enhance the security of elections within the state. This decision came as a culmination of the legislative session for Sine Die, marking a critical step towards addressing growing concerns over election integrity.
The approved measures are poised to fundamentally alter the landscape of voting in Georgia, with the introduction of a "visible watermark security feature" on ballots being a standout change. This feature is designed to ensure that only official ballots are recognized and counted, thereby significantly reducing the risk of counterfeit ballots infiltrating the election process.
The legislation comprises three bills, namely SB189, HB974, and HB1207, each targeting specific vulnerabilities that have been identified within the existing election system. These changes collectively aim to usher in an era of "unverifiable, secretly counted elections" into the light, making way for a more transparent and secure election process. A focus is placed on combating "ballot trafficking, counterfeit ballots, and ballot box stuffing," through these legislative pieces.
SB189, which passed with a vote of 33-22, requires the text portion of paper ballots to be the sole determinant in vote tabulation and audits. This method marks a significant transition from the previous reliance on QR codes, which, according to studies carried out in the aftermath of the 2020 election, showcased anomalies and failures across 65 of Georgia's 67 counties.
The controversy surrounding QR codes in voting systems has been a topic of considerable debate. Cybersecurity expert Clay Parikh emphasized that QR codes contravene the Help America Vote Act due to their lack of human readability. This sentiment was echoed by Col. Shawn Smith, who argued that the existence of QR codes on ballots introduces a layer of vulnerability, allowing for the potential embedding of covert instructions that compromise the integrity of the election.
In response to these concerns, SB189 stipulates the phasing out of the current voting systems reliant on QR codes within a two-year timeframe. This decision, while controversial, underscores a deliberate move towards enhancing the security and transparency of the voting process.
In parallel to addressing security concerns, the legislation also paves the way for administrative improvements. Specifically, HB974 introduces mandates for establishing a system for posting scanned paper ballots online and setting risk limits through pilot auditing programs. Moreover, HB1207 establishes prerequisites for U.S. citizenship for individuals involved in ballot handling and outlines the rights and proximity parameters for poll watchers.
These legislative changes have not come without their share of opposition and critique. State Sen. Derek Mallow articulated concerns regarding the proximity of poll watchers to election activities, indicating a potential for discomfort among voters. Nonetheless, proponents of the bills, like David Cross and Col. Shawn Smith, have been vocal about their belief in the necessity of these changes to uphold election integrity.
In conclusion, the Georgia Assembly's recent legislative action represents a landmark effort to fortify election security. Through the introduction of watermarks on ballots, the elimination of QR-coded ballots, and comprehensive reforms aimed at increasing transparency and reducing vulnerabilities, Georgia is setting a precedent for election administration. It remains to be seen how these changes will impact future elections, but the foundation laid by SB189, HB974, and HB1207 offers a promising path toward restoring public trust in the electoral process.