The 2026 legislative session is over, but critical work remains. Georgia lawmakers failed to fix looming voting system problems, putting elections at risk. With time running short, we’re urging the governor to act.
Sine Die on April 2 closed out the session and marked the last opportunity for bills to advance. Bills that passed both chambers now await Gov. Brian Kemp’s decision within 40 days, while the rest have failed for the year. For a look at what passed and what didn’t, read our full report.
However, lawmakers must address the voting system issues they created. The ACLU of Georgia and a coalition of advocacy partners sent a letter to the governor demanding that he call a special session.
Demand For Special Session
In 2024, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 189, which requires the removal of QR codes from ballots and mandates that votes be counted using the human-readable text by July 1, 2026.
The law did not include funding or clear guidance. County election officials say the current timeline is unrealistic.
The legislature could have extended the deadline this session, but they failed to do so. Without an extension, the deadline could create major administrative challenges during this year’s elections.
Georgians will be entering the 2026 midterm elections without a clear, lawful, or workable election system. We’re asking Kemp to call a special session so lawmakers can figure out a solution. Will you join us? Easily contact the governor by filling out our form here.
Legislative Advocacy Isn’t Over
Four of our priority bills passed the legislature this session. As the governor decides the fate of each bill, we’ll continue advocating for him to veto harmful legislation and sign bills that protect our civil rights and liberties.
We need your help influencing the governor. Take action on these bills:
Senate Bill 443 would increase criminal penalties for obstructing streets and highways. The bill could infringe on constitutionally-protected protest activity and is unnecessary, given existing laws that already address this type of conduct.
Email the governor to oppose SB 443 and encourage him to veto the bill.
House Bill 1161 would increase penalties for fleeing from a law enforcement officer in a motor vehicle, adding 30 days of imprisonment for each mile fled. This bill is unnecessarily harsh and will increase overcrowding in jails and prisons across Georgia.
We need you to contact the governor and ask him to veto HB 1161.
House Bill 1075 establishes a mandatory felony charge for certain misdemeanor crimes if they are committed by someone four times within ten years.
This bill cuts back on judges’ power to make decisions by mandating increased penalties for relatively minor offenses. Email Kemp and ask him to veto HB 1075.
Lastly, Senate Bill 552 ensures that students in public schools can establish political organizations and have equal access to school facilities for political activities and expression.
The bill affirms students’ ability to share their ideas and organize on campus regardless of their political beliefs, protecting students’ First Amendment rights. Contact the governor to ask him to sign SB 552.
Continuing the Fight
Before we officially call it a wrap on this year’s regularly-scheduled legislative session, we’d again like to thank everyone who supported our efforts over the past four months.
This session was one of our toughest fights, and the ACLU of Georgia could not have achieved our wins without you. From “Pack the Cap” on the first day of session to “Sine Die at the Capitol” on the last day, you were advocating with us every step of the way.
Your efforts and support do not go unnoticed.
Although the session has ended, we still need your voice as we navigate the challenges ahead. Next year’s session will be here before we know it, and we can get a head start on protecting our civil rights and liberties by keeping the momentum going at the polls and in the streets.
