The Problem

 

Some voting systems used today rely on electronically generated ballots that use QR codes or barcodes to record votes. These systems include ballot marking devices and touchscreen machines with so-called paper trails.

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The problem is simple:
Voters cannot read or verify QR codes or barcodes.
That means the voter cannot confirm that the recorded vote matches their intent.

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Tennessee law already requires that every ballot produce a voter-verifiable paper audit trail. QR- and barcode-based ballots do not meet that standard, because the voter cannot independently verify what is being counted.

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What This Legislation Does

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This legislation:

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• Eliminates the use of electronically generated ballots that rely on QR codes or barcodes for tabulation

• Restores hand-marked, full-faced paper ballots for all elections

• Ensures every voter can see, read, and verify their vote before it is cast

 

This approach is already reflected in existing Tennessee statutes and regulations that call for hand-marked paper ballots.

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Why Hand-Marked Paper Ballots Matter

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Hand-marked paper ballots are the only method that:

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• Allows voters to directly verify their vote

• Provides a clear, auditable record

• Can be recounted and examined independently

• Eliminates reliance on hidden machine-read code

• Restores confidence through transparency

 

Technology may assist election administration, but it should never replace voter verification.

 

Security & Transparency Concerns

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Over time, voting systems have introduced risks through:

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• Touchscreen machines and ballot marking devices

• QR- and barcode-based ballots

• Network-connected components

• Foreign-sourced equipment parts

• Potential internet or wireless access

 

Elections must be run in a way that allows the process to be fully examined, audited, and verified—from ballot to final count.

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Public Support

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Voters strongly support secure, verifiable elections:

• 80% support banning voting machines with remote internet access

• 59% support requiring hand-marked paper ballots

 

Bottom Line

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This policy restores confidence by:

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• Replacing insecure voting systems

• Enforcing voter-verifiable paper ballots

• Allowing secure technology only in a supporting, transparent role

 

When voters can read their ballots and audits are clear, elections are accurate—and trusted.