The proposed bill would amend current election statutes by introducing several key changes to the process of canvassing and certifying election results. Specifically, it would require the governing body holding an election to acknowledge without prejudice the canvass of the election and mandate that the officer who conducted the election and the officer who tabulated the ballots certify, under oath, the accuracy of the election and results of the tabulation to the governing body. Additionally, the bill stipulates that if any returns from polling places are missing at the time of the meeting, the acknowledgement without prejudice of the canvass must be postponed until all returns are received or until six postponements have occurred. Furthermore, the bill would enhance the official canvass documentation by including a copy of the sworn statements of the election officers in the official canvass records. It also specifies that the certified permanent copy of the official canvass, along with its acknowledgment without prejudice, must be mailed to the Secretary of State and filed with the appropriate city or town clerk or the clerk of the board of supervisors for special district elections. These updates aim to improve the transparency and accountability of the election process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-642, 16-646, 16-673
Senate Engrossed Version: 16-642, 16-645, 16-646, 16-673, 16-543.02, 16-311, 16-322, 16-804