The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code concerning election recounts, including the procedures for requesting and conducting recounts and the composition of recount boards. Notably, it replaces references to "Monday" with "Tuesday" in the context of canvassing election returns. The state commissioner of elections is granted the authority to initiate recounts at their discretion, and candidates are now required to specify whether they desire a hand recount or an automated recount when making a request. Additionally, the bill introduces a civil penalty of $100 for candidates who fail to request a hand recount when applicable.

The composition of recount boards is adjusted based on county population, with specific requirements for the number of designees from candidates and precinct election officials. For counties with fewer than 15,000 residents, the board will consist of one designee from the candidate requesting the recount, one from the apparent winning candidate, and one precinct election official. As populations increase, the number of designees and precinct officials on the board also increases. The bill establishes deadlines for recount reports and modifies the process for public measures, transitioning from administrative recounts to administrative audits under certain conditions. Furthermore, it shifts the responsibility for contesting elections for presidential electors and state officers from the secretary of state to the clerk of the supreme court, with contingencies for when the clerk is unavailable. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the recount process and enhance the integrity of election outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 43.49, 43.56, 47.1, 50.12, 50.48, 53.20, 47.2, 376.9, 50.30, 50.49, 50.50, 43.2, 60.2, 61.2, 260C.15