Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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This comprehensive elections bill sets out the process by which to change Georgia's current voting equipment from DRE machines to hand-marked paper ballots. Ballots would then be submitted to, and tabulated by, a hand-marked paper ballot optical scanner. While the bill provides that the cost of the printing of paper ballots by county election superintendents must be reimbursed following the conclusion of each calendar year by the Secretary of State, the state does not have the best track record in keeping to these reimbursement responsibilities absent a constitutional amendment. Each polling place would be provided one ballot marking device for those with disabilities. It also encompasses many changes to the state's elections process. While ACCG commends all efforts to replace Georgia's antiquated voting equipment with a uniform voting system, state funding of this equipment and meaningful changes to our elections laws, our Policy Council has supported HB 316 whereby the state purchases, and provides to counties, ballot marking devices which produce paper ballots. |
