Georgia committee debates bill to require hand-marked paper ballots and ballot-on-demand printers

A Senate committee heard extended debate and public comment on a proposal that would require hand-marked paper ballots statewide and shift vote tabulation to optical scanners fed by ballot-on-demand printers.

Senator Barnes, the bill's author, told the committee that SB 214 (LC 473679S) would “require that all votes are cast on a hand marked paper ballot, and that that paper ballot is then optically scanned and tabulated.” He said the measure would standardize optical-scan tabulation, authorize pilot programs by the Secretary of State, and keep an electronic option for voters who need accommodations.

The bill, as discussed, has three principal elements: make hand-marked paper ballots the standard in-person voting method; require ballot-on-demand printing so each voter receives a ballot tailored to their ballot style; and use optical scanners to tabulate votes and produce an image record for post‑election review. Barnes said the state would provide a uniform optical scanning and ballot-on-demand printing system, though the committee did not have a fiscal note on the plan at the hearing.

Why it matters: supporters said the change would make votes auditable and boost voter confidence…