Donald Trump’s executive order to reshape election procedures includes banning ballots that use barcodes or QR codes. Though a minor technical detail, the measure could significantly affect voting systems used in hundreds of U.S. counties across 19 states, including Georgia, South Carolina, and Delaware. According to Trump, the move is aimed at “protecting election integrity. “
Divided Opinions on Barcode Voting Systems
Coded ballots have been a focal point for legitimate security concerns and baseless conspiracy theories. Critics, including computer scientists and Democratic election officials, argue QR codes reduce transparency since voters cannot verify what the barcode records. Colorado eliminated their use in 2019 to increase voter confidence.
But supporters, including election officials in several counties, say these systems are accurate and secure. Lawrence Norden of the Brennan Center for Justice called the concerns overblown and driven by misinformation about how vote counting works.
Security Claims and Legal Challenges
A long-standing lawsuit over Georgia’s QR-code system was reignited after a University of Michigan expert warned the codes could be exploited. However, there is no evidence that such tampering ever occurred. A federal judge declined to ban Georgia’s system but acknowledged serious concerns.
Trump’s executive order is already facing legal pushback. Critics argue he overstepped his authority by directing the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, an independent agency. One lawsuit led to an injunction against a separate provision requiring proof of citizenship to vote.
Cost and Implementation Challenges
Election officials say replacing barcode systems could take years and cost millions. Los Angeles County’s voting system, which uses QR codes, cost $140 million to develop and meets federal standards. Smaller counties like Benton County, Arkansas, estimate transition costs around $400,000.
Trump’s order exempts systems for voters with disabilities but offers no funding for upgrades. Some vendors are already voluntarily phasing out QR codes. In Pennsylvania’s Luzerne County, officials will adopt an updated system before the general election.
Georgia at the Center of Controversy
Georgia’s use of QR codes has become a political flashpoint. Though the Republican legislature passed a law to ban them, they did not allocate funds for the switch. The law is set to take effect next year, despite the current contract running through 2028. State officials say the current system meets federal certification standards.
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Trump order targets barcodes on ballots. They’ve long been a source of misinformation
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