The Senate Committee on Finance convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at transitioning to hand-marked paper ballots for elections in Georgia. The meeting featured testimonies from several poll workers and election advocates who expressed strong support for the bill, emphasizing the need for transparency and voter confidence in the electoral process.

The first speaker, a longtime poll worker from Fulton County, highlighted the limitations of current voting technology, particularly the use of QR codes on ballots. She argued that voters cannot verify their selections when using these codes, as they are often too small for many to read. She advocated for hand-marked paper ballots, stating that they allow voters to see their choices clearly before submission. The speaker urged for a quicker implementation of the bill, citing the critical need for change in the voting system.

Lucia Fraser, another Georgia resident and election worker, echoed these sentiments, praising the bill for promoting transparency in the electoral process. She noted that the current voting system is complicated and discourages public participation in elections. Fraser suggested that hand-marked paper ballots would simplify the voting process and encourage more volunteers to assist on Election Day. She also proposed that hand counting ballots at precincts could enhance confidence in election outcomes.

Tamara Favorito, representing Voter GA, also spoke in favor of the bill, recalling her experiences as a poll worker and trainer. She expressed gratitude for the committee's efforts to eliminate QR codes from ballots, aligning with recent national trends toward more secure voting practices. Favorito emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in elections and noted that the proposed bill would help restore public trust.

The committee meeting concluded with a consensus among the speakers on the necessity of transitioning to hand-marked paper ballots to ensure a more transparent and reliable voting process. The discussions underscored a growing movement within Georgia to enhance election integrity and voter confidence ahead of future elections. Further steps and timelines for the bill's implementation remain to be determined as the committee continues its deliberations.