Substitute Bill No. 1232 introduces significant reforms to the election auditing process in Connecticut, mandating risk-limiting audits for state elections. These audits, which must be conducted by registrars of voters within a specified timeframe after elections, will cover various offices, including presidential electors and state legislative offices, with a minimum of five percent of state legislative offices selected randomly. The bill emphasizes public observation of the audit process and ensures that election officials are compensated at their municipality's standard pay rate. In cases where an audit yields an "INCONCLUSIVE" result, a manual recount of all ballots for that office will be required. The legislation also establishes a new definition for "risk-limiting audit" and outlines procedures for reporting and analyzing audit results, including the involvement of The University of Connecticut.

Additionally, the bill makes several amendments to existing laws, including the repeal and replacement of certain statutes related to election complaints. It streamlines the process for filing complaints regarding election irregularities, allowing for complaints to be filed within seven days after an audit or fourteen days after an election. The Secretary of the State is granted authority to order examinations and recertifications of voting tabulators if discrepancies are found, and the bill clarifies the conditions under which judges may order recounts or new elections. Overall, Substitute Bill No. 1232 aims to enhance the transparency, reliability, and accountability of the electoral process in Connecticut, ensuring that election outcomes are accurate and trustworthy.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-320f, 9-323, 9-324, 9-328, 9-3, 9-320g
GAE Joint Favorable Substitute: 9-320f, 9-323, 9-324, 9-328, 9-3, 9-320g
File No. 100: 9-320f, 9-323, 9-324, 9-328, 9-3, 9-320g
APP Joint Favorable: 9-320f, 9-323, 9-324, 9-328, 9-3, 9-320g