General Assembly Raised Bill No. 394 seeks to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in Connecticut by implementing a framework for risk-limiting audits of state elections. The bill mandates that registrars of voters conduct these audits between fifteen days after an election and two business days before the canvass of votes, ensuring that they are publicly noticed and open for observation. It specifies that audits will cover presidential electors, state offices, and a random selection of congressional and legislative offices, with a manual recount ordered if an audit yields an "INCONCLUSIVE" result. Additionally, the bill modifies the deadline for municipal clerks to report election results to the Secretary of the State, changing it from ten days post-election to the last day of the month in which the election occurred.

The legislation also introduces significant amendments to existing laws regarding the handling of election-related complaints and discrepancies in vote counts. It allows electors or candidates to file complaints with the Superior Court regarding election rulings or vote counting errors, with specific timelines for filing based on when the complaint arises. The bill replaces references to "manual tabulation of paper ballots" with "audit conducted," reflecting a shift towards modern auditing practices. Furthermore, it establishes a pilot program for risk-limiting audits in municipal elections starting in 2027 and allows for the use of electronic equipment in audits, contingent upon specifications set by the Secretary of the State. Overall, Raised Bill No. 394 aims to modernize the electoral process and ensure timely resolution of disputes, thereby reinforcing the integrity of elections in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 9-320f, 9-323, 9-324, 9-328, 9-3, 9-320g