Substitute Bill No. 1515 proposes the establishment of a Municipal Election Accountability Board within the office of the Secretary of the State, aimed at enhancing the administration of elections, primaries, and referenda in municipalities. The board will consist of the Secretary of the State, the executive director of the State Elections Enforcement Commission, and nine members appointed by the Secretary with the General Assembly's consent, ensuring diverse political representation and expertise in election law. Members will serve four-year terms without compensation but will be reimbursed for expenses. The bill also outlines a referral process for municipalities facing concerns about election irregularities, allowing various officials to submit evidence to the board, which will hold regular public meetings starting in January 2026.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a tiered oversight system for municipalities designated by the board, ranging from Tier I to Tier IV, with increasing levels of oversight and requirements. For example, Tier I municipalities must create a mitigation plan and participate in mandatory training, while Tier IV municipalities will have their elections fully administered by the board. The Municipal Election Accountability Board is required to adopt regulations by January 1, 2026, to implement these provisions. Overall, the legislation aims to improve the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring accountability and proper oversight of municipal election procedures, without altering the existing powers of the Secretary of the State or the State Elections Enforcement Commission.