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 mandates that all voting systems be tested before each election to ensure accurate vote counting, with the testing conducted by the county auditor or their designee. The bill specifies that the testing must occur at least one week prior to the election, and the county auditor must notify political party district chairmen of the test details. Additionally, it 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 bill outlines the process for the postelection audit, which must begin on the sixth day following the election and conclude by the eighth day. The county auditor is responsible for appointing an election board to conduct the audit, which will review ballots from various contests. If discrepancies are found between the automated results and the audit, further audits may be requested. The results of the audit must be submitted to the secretary of state for publication. Key insertions in the bill include the definition of the postelection audit process and the specific timeline for its execution, while deletions include previous language regarding random testing and the timing of the audit in relation to the county canvassing board meeting.

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
Enrollment: 16.1-06-15