ATLANTA (May 8, 2024) – Yesterday, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed Senate Bill 189 to strengthen election integrity in the state. The measure, sponsored by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics Sen. Max Burns (R–Sylvania), restricts the use of QR codes to count ballots, reforms the process to challenge a voter’s eligibility and expands ballot access for third-party candidates. Further, this legislation removes Georgia’s Secretary of State from the State Election Board and establishes additional conflict of interest provisions for statewide and local elections officers, officials and employees involving goods and services provided for voting equipment.
Sen. Burns commended the signing of this measure, stating, “SB 189 is a testament to our commitment to restoring faith in Georgia’s elections. Building upon the solid foundation laid by Senate Bill 202 in 2021, we continue to prioritize integrity and accessibility. By championing transparency and accountability, we pave the way for fair elections that uphold the voice of every Georgia citizen. I am proud to have played a part in crafting this legislation, which reinforces our dedication to safeguarding the democratic process.”
“I have not wavered on my priority to ensure that Georgians have trust and transparency in our elections process,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “Sen. Max Burns has been a champion on this issue and I commend him for all of his work to get Senate Bill 189 signed into law. With this legislation becoming law, we can help further ensure that Georgians trust their votes are properly counted.”
Read the full text of SB 189 here.
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Sen. Max Burns serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. He represents the 23rd Senate District, which includes Burke, Emanuel, Glascock, Jefferson, Jenkins, McDuffie, Screven, Taliaferro, and Warren County as well as portions of Columbia and Richmond County. He may be reached at 404.463.1376 or by email at max.burns@senate.ga.gov