Georgia state lawmakers, joined by researchers and cybersecurity specialists, are conducting a thorough review of potential cyber threats as the state plans to replace its current voting machines with a hand‑marked paper ballot system for the 2028 election. The collaborative effort focuses on identifying vulnerabilities that could affect the new system, testing safeguards, and establishing protocols to protect the integrity of the voting process.
The shift to hand‑marked paper ballots represents a major change in Georgia’s election infrastructure. Lawmakers have tasked expert panels with evaluating the digital components that will support ballot printing, scanning and tabulation, even though the final vote will be recorded on physical paper. The review includes scenario testing, risk modeling and recommendations for encryption, network segmentation and access controls.
Officials say the review is intended to ensure that the upcoming system remains secure against hacking, malware or other forms of cyber interference. By addressing these concerns now, the state hopes to avoid disruptions and maintain public confidence when the new ballots are used in the 2028 election cycle.
Election security has long been a focal point of debate in Georgia, with past discussions centering on the reliability of electronic voting machines and the potential for external influence. The current initiative builds on that history, moving the conversation toward a hybrid approach that combines physical ballots with modern, but protected, digital handling.
The legislative timetable anticipates that findings from the cybersecurity assessment will inform procurement decisions, training programs for poll workers and public information campaigns. Researchers involved in the study will continue to monitor emerging threats and update recommendations as technology evolves.
Stakeholders across the political spectrum have expressed support for a transparent process, emphasizing that robust cybersecurity measures are essential for preserving the fairness of elections. The work underway aims to position Georgia’s 2028 voting system as a model of resilience and reliability.
The comprehensive review underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding the democratic process as it transitions to a hand‑marked ballot format, seeking to eliminate undue influence and ensure that each vote is accurately counted.