The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes regarding the conduct of elections by requiring the governing bodies that hold elections to explicitly acknowledge the canvass of the election "without prejudice." This new language would be inserted into existing provisions, ensuring that the acknowledgment is a formal part of the election process for various governing bodies, including county boards, the Secretary of State, and city or town governing bodies. The bill also clarifies that the acknowledgment must occur within specified timeframes following the election.

Additionally, the bill would make technical and conforming changes to existing statutes, including the removal of certain outdated language. For instance, it would replace phrases like "the canvass shall show" with "the canvass shows," and it would specify that the acknowledgment of the canvass must be included in the official records maintained by the respective governing bodies. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the clarity and formality of the election canvassing process while ensuring that the acknowledgment is recognized as a critical step in the election certification process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-642, 16-646, 16-673
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-642, 16-646, 16-673