Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp is moving forward with efforts to replace the state’s electronic voting machines after legislation to do so failed. Kemp announced Friday he’s forming a bipartisan commission of lawmakers, political party leaders, election officials and voters to recommend a new voting system for the state. The group will review options for the state’s voting system, including all hand-marked paper ballots and electronic machines with a voter-verified paper trail. The commission will evaluate costs, solicit comments from the public and hold meetings across the state before making suggestions for the Georgia General Assembly to consider next year.
“It is time for the state to move forward with phasing out our current voting equipment, which is battle-tested and secure but nearing replacement age,” Kemp said in a statement. “I will spearhead this effort through an open, inclusive and bipartisan commission, inviting all stakeholders to the table.”
Georgia is one of the last five states to rely entirely on electronic voting machines that don’t leave an independent paper backup.
… A primarily paper-based system would cost $35 million or more, while a touchscreen-and-paper system could cost well over $100 million.
Full Article: Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp starts voting system study group.