Substitute Bill No. 394 introduces significant amendments to Connecticut's election laws, mandating the implementation of risk-limiting audits for state elections starting January 1, 2027. The bill requires registrars of voters to conduct these audits within a specified timeframe post-election, ensuring public notice and observation. It outlines the offices subject to audits, including presidential electors and state offices, and mandates compensation for election officials involved in the audits at the municipality's standard pay rate. The Secretary of the State is tasked with overseeing the audit process, including the selection of offices to be audited and the establishment of consistent procedures. Key changes include the repeal of existing statutes and the introduction of new language that broadens the scope of audits to include municipal elections, as well as the requirement for audits to be conducted after any election, not just federal or state elections.

The bill also establishes a process for aggrieved electors or candidates to file complaints regarding election irregularities with a Superior Court judge, with specific timelines for filing based on the timing of the primary or audit. It allows the Secretary of the State to issue orders to correct irregularities, which can be enforced by the court. Additionally, the legislation mandates the preservation of individual paper ballots and outlines the conditions for locking voting tabulators for extended periods. The Secretary is granted access to voting machine codes during audits, and the results of the audits must be submitted to The University of Connecticut for analysis. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the transparency, integrity, and efficiency of the electoral process in Connecticut while providing clear avenues for addressing grievances related to election conduct.

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, 9-320g
File No. 564: 9-320f, 9-323, 9-324, 9-328, 9-320g
APP Joint Favorable: 9-320f, 9-323, 9-324, 9-328, 9-320g