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 according to guidelines established by the secretary of state, with testing to occur before each election. The bill specifies that the testing must be conducted by the county auditor or their designee, and it requires the retention of testing materials in a manner similar to election materials. Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for a postelection audit to be conducted for one randomly selected precinct in each county after statewide primary, general, and special elections.

Key changes include the insertion of a timeline for the postelection audit, which must commence on the sixth day following election day and conclude by the eighth day. The county auditor is tasked with 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 additional audits. The results of the postelection audit must be submitted to the secretary of state for publication, ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral 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