ATLANTA — Georgia senators on Tuesday passed a bill to remove barcodes from ballots, one of numerous Republican-backed proposals aimed at addressing GOP discontent driven by Donald Trump’s false claims that he won the state in 2020.
Georgia
Ballots without barcodes pushed by Georgia GOP in election-law blitz aimed at Trump supporters
Senate Ethics Committee Chairman Max Burns, the Sylvania Republican who sponsored the measure, said the measure would “create clarity.”
“The biggest challenge that a voter has is knowing that their vote was correctly recorded,” Burns said.
He and other Republicans also argue the measure would address what they say are vulnerabilities in Georgia’s Dominion Voting Systems machines. There is no proof the machines have been hacked during an election, however.
After the 2020 election, supporters of former President Donald Trump spread wild conspiracy theories about Dominion machines, arguing the equipment was used to steal the election from him. The company has responded aggressively with lawsuits, notably reaching a $787 million settlement in April with Fox News over that network’s coverage of Dominion.
Some Republicans’ distrust in Dominion’s machines has only grown after expert Alex Halderman demonstrated during a federal trial last month how someone could tamper with one of the machines to flip votes between candidates. Dominion and Raffensperger’s office say such a feat is impossible under real-world conditions. The company has released updated software to address vulnerabilities. But Raffensperger has said there isn’t enough time in the busy 2024 election cycle to update machines.
Also Tuesday, Burns’ committee approved a state constitutional amendment that says only U.S. citizens can vote in Georgia elections. Supporters, including Raffensperger, claim the measure is needed to make sure no one ever changes the current Georgia law that bars noncitizens from voting. A few jurisdictions in other states have allowed noncitizens to vote in local elections. The measure goes to the full Senate, where it needs a two-thirds vote.
Burns’ committee then heard testimony but did not vote on a bill that would eliminate drop boxes, where voters can walk into polling places and deposit ballots. Drop boxes have been targeted by Republicans in other states as well.
The House has been considering its own bill to eliminate bar codes, but a committee hasn’t yet voted. A House subcommittee on Tuesday considered but didn’t vote on a bill allowing the State Election Board to investigate Raffensperger, driven by claims that he mishandled his audit of the 2020 election. The Senate earlier passed its own version of that measure, which Raffensperger says violates the state constitution by setting up an unelected board to oversee him.
When Georgia voters cast ballots in person, they use Dominion ballot marking devices, which then print a paper ballot with a QR code and text indicating the voter’s choices. Scanners read the QR code to tabulate ballots. But legislators say voters tell them they distrust the codes because they can’t be sure they’ll match their choices.
Some lawmakers hope new optical scanners can be purchased and used to count ballots without QR codes this year. The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday included $5 million in a proposed amendment to the current budget to buy such scanners and software. But House Appropriations Committee Chairman Matt Hatchett, a Dublin Republican, said the scanners would be used to audit election results, not perform the primary count after polls close. Raffensperger has supported their use for audits.
All Democrats, even one who voted to ban QR codes in committee, voted against the Senate bill Tuesday. They say it’s too late to make changes and Republicans are inviting chaos. Sen. Sally Harrell, an Atlanta Democrat, noted she had opposed the use of QR codes when the state originally bought the Dominion machines.
“All I know is, we have an election around the corner and there is not time to deal with all this new technology now,” Harrell said.
Even Burns conceded earlier that making changes by November probably wasn’t realistic.
Raffensperger has said he supports a move to scan “human readable text.” His proposal involves buying 32,000 ballot printers statewide to print longer ballots. His office estimated that would cost $15 million.
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Georgia is being invaded by tegu lizards that are taking over the state
Argentine black and white tegus have not been a threat to humans and common household pets, but do pose a danger to native species.
USA TODAY
Georgians pride themselves on Southern hospitality, but there’s one animal that’s overstayed its welcome.
The state department of natural resources and its partners are working hard to remove the Argentine tegus trying to build a home here.
What is a tegu?
The tegu is a large, invasive, commonly black and white lizard from Argentina. They can grow up to 4 feet long and weighing 10 pounds or more, according to Georgia Wildlife. Unlike some other lizards, the tegu rarely climbs more than a few feet off the ground, but they are strong swimmers.
From late fall and through the winter months, tegus head into burrows for brumation, a hibernation-type period, to avoid freezing temperatures. They usually breed in the spring and typically lay 35 eggs per year which have a 60-day incubation. They may live up to 20 years.
What does a tegu look like?
The Argentine tegu has mottled black and white skin. The colors are often arranged into a banding pattern across the back and tail. Hatchlings display similar markings, but typically have bright green heads. The green fades after they reach about one month of age.
Where have tegus been reported in Georgia?
The University of Georgia runs an interactive map with detailed info about tegus in Georgia. Over the last few years, there have been 56 reports spread out across counties across the state. Here are the counties with the most reports:
- Tattnall County: 16
- Toombs County: 10
- Gwinnett County: 5
Are tegus dangerous?
Although not considered aggressive toward people, tegus will defend themselves if threatened, according to Georgia Wildlife. They can react fast and lash with their tails. They also have sharp teeth and claws and strong jaws.
Tegus also represent a natural threat because they have few predators and can multiple quickly. They eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds—including quail and turkeys—and other reptiles like the American alligator and gopher tortoise which are protected species. They will also eat chicken eggs, fruit, vegetables, plants, pet food, carrion and small live animals.
Can you kill a tegu if you see it?
Tegus can be trapped or killed on private property in Georgia with the landowner’s permission and using legal methods in accordance with local ordinances, animal cruelty laws, and safety precautions.
Also, on public Wildlife Management Areas, tegus can be killed with firearms legal for the current hunting season. Using traps to catch tegus is not allowed. Anyone who sees a tegu on a WMA should also alert that region’s Game Management office.
How do you report a possible tegu?
Contact Georgia DNR when you see a tegu in the wild, dead or alive. These reports help biologists document occurrences and respond effectively. Note the location, take a photo if possible and report the sighting:
Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.
ATHENS — Kylie Chung of Cumming chased down two accomplished college players to become the second-youngest winner of the Georgia Women’s Amateur Championship on Wednesday. Not bad for a girl won won’t start high school until this fall.
Chung, 14, a soon-to-be freshman at Lambert High School, birdied the final three holes at Athens Country Club to shoot 5-under 67 to finish 6-under 210. She won by two shots over defending champion Ava Merrill of Johns Creek, who plays at Vanderbilt, and Mary Mille of Savannah, who plays at Ole Miss.
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — per gallon on regular gas and 37 cents per gallon on
For two months, Gov. Brian Kemp suspended the state gas tax, saving drivers 33 cents per gallon on regular gas and 37 cents per gallon on diesel. For the average driver who fills up twice a week, that adds up to more than $60 back in their pocket.
“I think it’s uncalled for. It’s very much uncalled for,” said Marie Okafia, a driver.
Looking for alternatives
The sharp spike in prices has some drivers looking for a different way to get to work. Rebecca Serna, executive director of Propel ATL, said riding a bike is a cost-cutting measure, and more people are already doing it.
“We’re seeing more bike lanes, more scoot lanes,” Serna said. “The cost of car ownership has gone up dramatically, but the cost of these other types of transportation have stayed relatively the same. So, it can really save families a lot of money.”
The city has added several miles of protected bike lanes in recent months, making the commute safer for anyone ready to ditch the pump. Propel ATL also noted the opening of the southeast and southside Beltline, connecting to those new bike lanes.
Impact on families
For Georgia families already stretched thin, the timing couldn’t be worse. The price increase affects not just what drivers pay at the gas station, but what they’ll give up somewhere else.
“We’re already grappling with high cost of food, and then we have to face this too. They both go hand-in-hand,” Okafia said.
Atlanta is bringing back its e-bike rebate program this fall. You can learn more about the program and the nonprofit Propel ATL here.
Copyright 2026 WANF. All rights reserved.
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