DeKalb election officials warn of major operational costs if state ban on QR‑code tabulation takes effect
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Summary
Public commenters and county elections officials urged action after the Georgia legislature failed to resolve a ban on using QR codes for tabulation; DeKalb’s executive director told the board a $5–7 million contingency could be needed to pivot to manual or alternative systems.
Public commenters and county elections officials pressed the DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections on April 14 to push state authorities for a pragmatic fix after the legislature left unresolved a ban on using QR codes to tabulate ballots that takes effect July 1, 2026.
"We are in a big pickle," Dr. Kendra Bagalski, chair of the DeKalb Republican Party, told the board during public comment, urging the office and the state election board to adopt backup procedures that would rely on hand‑marked paper ballots and precinct‑level hand counts with post‑election audits. Janet Grant, an area poll manager, and Michael Beach, a DeKalb County poll manager, agreed, saying county officials should press the state for a workable solution ahead of the November election.
Executive Director Keisha Smith told the board the department has requested creation of a contingency fund and estimated that implementing new methods could cost between $5 million and $7 million. "If there's new equipment that has to be purchased, I mean, it would be difficult to facilitate as a seamless process," Smith said, noting extra staff, training and equipment would be required to pivot operations.
Elections staff described the scope of the logistical challenge. Jay, a department specialist, said the county faces hundreds of ballot styles: "For this election, there are upwards of 1,000 ballot styles," he said, and estimated roughly 666 styles could be requested in person at early‑vote sites. Without certified ballot‑on‑demand printers, Smith and staff said early‑voting locations would need to stock many separate ballot packets, increasing complexity and cost.
Board members pressed for a clearer funding strategy. Member Gail Lee asked the director to reserve some advertising funds in case requirements change; Smith said the department had included outreach and signage in its budget request and would provide more detailed line‑item information. Legal counsel confirmed the legislature did not pass bills addressing the QR‑code issue during the session.
The board did not adopt a policy change at the meeting; members asked staff to continue preparing contingencies and to brief the board again as guidance or law evolves.
