The bill amends section 16.1-06-15 of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the procedures for testing voting systems and conducting postelection audits. It specifies that all voting systems must be tested before each election to ensure accurate vote counting, with the testing conducted by the county auditor or their designee. The bill introduces a requirement for a postelection audit to be conducted for one randomly selected polling location in each county after statewide primary, general, and special elections. The audit must begin on the sixth day following the election and conclude by the eighth day, with the county auditor responsible for appointing an election board to oversee the process.

Additionally, the bill outlines the procedures for the postelection audit, including the review of ballots from various contests and the protocol for addressing discrepancies between the automated tabulating equipment and the audit results. The election board is tasked with preparing the ballots for storage and submitting the audit results to the secretary of state for publication. The changes aim to improve the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in North Dakota.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 16.1-06-15
Adopted by the Senate State and Local Government Committee: 16.1-06-15
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 16.1-06-15