The bill amends section 16.1-06-15 of the North Dakota Century Code to enhance the procedures for conducting and reporting postelection audits. It mandates that all voting systems in the state undergo testing to ensure accurate vote counting, with tests to be conducted by the county auditor or their designee. The testing must now occur at least one week before the election, and the county auditor is required to notify political party district chairpersons about the test details. Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for a postelection audit to be conducted for one randomly selected precinct in each county after statewide primary, general, and special elections.

The bill specifies that the postelection audit must begin on the sixth day following the election and be completed 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 tabulating equipment and the audit results, the secretary of state may request further audits. The results of the audit must be submitted to the secretary of state for publication, ensuring transparency and accountability in the election process.

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