Georgia Election Board Requests Federal Ban on Certified Voting Machines Ahead of Midterms
James Mills, executive director of Georgia’s Republican-led State Election Board, has requested the Department of Justice to declare the state’s certified voting machines illegal and impose a six-month deadline for their removal. The move, which contradicts positions held by several board members, occurs just weeks before early voting begins. Critics argue the request aims to undermine confidence in the 2026 midterm results, while the Secretary of State’s office maintains that current systems are secure and that the board is causing unnecessary chaos.
Key points
- Mills asked the DOJ to prohibit QR-code-based tabulation and investigate Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger for withholding information.
- The request conflicts with the stance of board chairman John Fervier and others who oppose federal involvement in state election administration.
- Raffensperger’s office stated it was not notified of the letter and emphasized that 159 election directors are prepared for a free and fair election.
- A federal judge recently dismissed a DOJ lawsuit seeking unredacted voter registration records, citing privacy concerns.
Background
This dispute follows a broader pattern of federal attempts to influence state election procedures since 2020. Earlier in 2026, a special committee began evaluating a multi-year overhaul of Georgia’s voting systems, including the potential phase-out of QR-code devices. Recent polling shows Democrats widening their lead in Georgia Senate races, increasing the political stakes of the 2026 midterms.
How outlets are covering it
MS NOW and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution frame the request as an attempt to cast doubt on election integrity, with MS NOW noting Mills’ history of promoting baseless conspiracy theories. Democracy Docket highlights the legal impossibility of the request, noting that the U.S. Constitution grants states power over elections and that the machines are certified by the bipartisan Election Assistance Commission. Fox 5 Atlanta presents a more neutral view, noting that while board members raised security concerns, the Secretary of State’s office claims flaws have been resolved and that the board is creating 'chaos.' All sources agree that the request is unprecedented and controversial, but they differ on whether it is a genuine security concern or a political maneuver to undermine the upcoming vote.
Why it matters
The request could destabilize Georgia’s election infrastructure weeks before the midterms. If the DOJ were to intervene, it would set a precedent for federal override of state election systems, potentially affecting voter confidence and the legitimacy of the 2026 results. The dispute also highlights ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over election security and the role of technology in voting.
What to watch
The DOJ has not yet responded to the letter. Early in-person voting in Georgia begins on October 13. The special committee on voting technology will continue its review, but any new systems are years away from implementation. The Secretary of State’s office has stated it will proceed with the current certified systems for the November 3 election.
- Georgia’s GOP-led election board asks for DOJ ‘intervention’ ahead of midterm elections ms.now
- GOP-controlled Georgia election board asks DOJ to declare state’s voting machines illegal Democracy Docket
- Georgia board asks Trump administration to investigate voting machines The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Georgia lawmakers hear from vendors of new voting tech FOX 5 Atlanta
- Georgia election board votes to change software for voting machines WSB-TV
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