This bill allows boards of county commissioners to request a random-sample audit of vote-counting machines following nonfederal elections. Additionally, it permits these boards to request the inclusion of a countywide race in the random-sample audit after federal elections. The legislation aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process by ensuring that vote-counting machines are accurately audited.

The bill also provides rulemaking authority to establish guidelines for the audits and amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically sections 13-1-101, 13-17-503, and 13-17-505. The changes are intended to streamline the audit process and ensure that it is effectively implemented. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
HB0172_1.pdf: 13-1-101, 13-17-503, 13-17-505
HB0172_2.pdf: 13-1-101, 13-17-503, 13-17-505
Amended: 13-1-101, 13-17-503, 13-17-505
Introduced: 13-1-101, 13-17-503, 13-17-505