Trump’s Executive Order Targets Ballot Barcodes Amid Election Misinformation

ATLANTA — President Donald Trump’s recent executive order on U.S. elections includes a surprising detail that could shake up how votes are counted: it calls for banning ballots with barcodes or QR codes.

While this might sound technical, it could have a major impact. Hundreds of counties in 19 states use voting machines that print ballots with these codes. In fact, three states—Georgia, South Carolina, and Delaware—use such machines statewide.

The controversy around barcode ballots isn’t new. Some computer scientists, Democrats, and election experts have raised concerns about these systems. But it’s the conspiracy theorists—pushing baseless claims about the 2020 election—that have been the loudest critics. Trump’s order says the move is meant “to protect election integrity.”

Even some election officials who trust the security of these systems agree it might be time for a change because many voters simply don’t trust ballots with codes.

Colorado’s Secretary of State, Democrat Jena Griswold, stopped using ballots with QR codes in 2019 to boost voter confidence. Amanda Gonzalez, elections clerk in Colorado’s Jefferson County, supports that decision—even if she doesn’t back Trump’s order.

“We want elections that are free, fair, and transparent,” Gonzalez said. “Eliminating confusion is key.”

Why Barcodes on Ballots Became a Target

Most voters mark their choices on paper ballots, which are then scanned by machines to count votes. But some systems use touchscreens to generate a paper record with a barcode or QR code. The machine reads that code to tally votes.

Election officials say these systems are secure and undergo regular testing to ensure votes match the paper record. Still, conspiracy theories have singled out barcode ballots as suspicious.

“It’s a problem that’s been blown out of proportion,” said Lawrence Norden of the Brennan Center for Justice. “People who don’t understand the technology easily fall for misinformation.”

The conspiracy theories grew louder after a University of Michigan computer scientist testified in a legal battle over Georgia’s voting system. He said attackers could manipulate QR codes and install malware. But no evidence shows this actually happened.

Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a Republican, has defended the system. A judge acknowledged some concerns but allowed the machines to continue being used.

Can Trump’s Order Actually Ban Barcode Ballots?

The executive order directs the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to prohibit ballots with barcodes or QR codes. But the EAC only sets voluntary guidelines, and not all states follow them.

Lawsuits are challenging the order, arguing Trump lacks authority over the independent commission. Meanwhile, the EAC’s current guidelines say ballots with barcodes must also include a printed list of voter selections so they can be verified.

The order exempts voting systems for people with disabilities but does not provide federal funding to help states switch to other machines.

Pamela Smith, president of Verified Voting, said vendors are already moving away from barcodes, but change will take time.

Counties Face Big Costs and Decisions

Election officials in smaller counties worry about the cost and time needed to replace barcode-based equipment.

Kim Dennison, Benton County, Arkansas election coordinator, said updating the system could cost $400,000 and take up to a year. Despite the controversy, she fully trusts her equipment’s accuracy.

In Pennsylvania’s Luzerne County, barcode voting machines will be used in the upcoming primary, but officials plan a software update to remove the codes before November.

Los Angeles County—the nation’s most populous—uses a $140 million voting system with QR codes that meets or exceeds federal standards. Its election chief, Dean Logan, said audits have confirmed its accuracy, and changing the system would be expensive and time-consuming.

Georgia: A High-Stakes Battle Over QR Codes

Georgia, a critical battleground state, uses the same QR code system statewide and is at the center of the controversy.

Marilyn Marks, executive director of the Coalition for Good Governance, a plaintiff in lawsuits over the system, says the federal commission should stop certifying machines with barcodes. But her group has not taken a position on Trump’s order.

Georgia’s Republican-controlled legislature passed a law banning QR codes but did not allocate funds to replace the machines—a costly switch estimated at $66 million.

Republicans want to wait until the current voting system contract expires in 2028, but the ban is set to take effect next year. State Rep. Victor Anderson warned, “There’s no realistic way to prevent the train wreck that’s coming.”

What This Means Going Forward

Trump’s order is part of a broader push to overhaul elections with an emphasis on preventing fraud, even as evidence shows no widespread issues with barcode ballots.

Experts say this debate highlights a key challenge: restoring voter trust while balancing security, cost, and practicality.

As election technology evolves, voters and officials alike will need clear communication and transparent processes to ensure confidence in the results—whether ballots have barcodes or not.