The bill establishes hand counting as the primary method for tabulating ballots in elections, eliminating machine counting entirely. It revises the definition of "ballot" to refer exclusively to paper ballots counted manually, removing any mention of machine counting methods. The bill also repeals Section 13-15-209 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), which previously outlined ballot counting procedures. These changes aim to enhance the transparency and integrity of the electoral process, potentially increasing public confidence in election outcomes.

In addition to the hand counting mandate, the bill includes provisions to improve accessibility and security for disabled voters, requiring at least one voter interface device at each polling place and ensuring that votes cast on these devices are counted manually. It clarifies procedures for counting write-in votes and absentee ballots, emphasizing manual tabulation and public observation. The bill also sets forth clearer procedures for recounts, specifying that they must occur in precincts where the margin is not greater than 1/4 of 1% of total votes cast. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integrity, accessibility, and transparency of the voting process in Montana, with an effective date of July 1, 2023.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13-1-101, 13-3-208, 13-10-204, 13-10-302, 13-13-241, 13-15-111, 13-15-206, 13-15-207, 13-16-201, 13-17-103, 13-17-211, 13-19-106, 13-19-312, 13-38-201