This bill mandates that all voting systems in Kansas, effective January 1, 2024, utilize individual, durable, voter-verified paper ballots with a distinctive watermark. The bill specifies that these ballots must be marked by the voter or an assisting individual, inspected for accuracy before being cast, and counted by hand during any recounts. Notably, the bill removes the option for a recount to be conducted by methods other than a hand count of the paper ballots, ensuring that the paper ballots serve as the official record for audits and recounts. Additionally, it prohibits the use of poll books that do not require a handwritten signature and disallows the use of copies or images of cast paper ballots for audits or recounts.

The bill also outlines the procedures for conducting manual audits and recounts, emphasizing that audits must be performed by bipartisan trained election boards and that discrepancies between electronic and hand-counted tallies will be resolved in favor of the hand count. It establishes specific requirements for notifying the public about audits and mandates that the results of audits be compared to unofficial election night returns. Furthermore, it repeals existing sections of law that conflict with these new provisions, thereby streamlining the election process in Kansas to enhance transparency and accuracy.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 25-4413, 25-2912, 25-3107, 25-3009, 25-4412