This bill amends the Nebraska Election Act by introducing new provisions related to the use of vote counting devices. It mandates that election commissioners or county clerks conduct at least three independent tests to verify the accuracy of the counting process before counting begins. These tests must be conducted by the election officials, a registered voter from a different party, and the person responsible for the device's program. Additionally, the bill allows for the appointment of watchers from each political party to observe these tests, ensuring transparency in the election process. Watchers and authorized observers must be granted unobstructed views of the testing, and the election officials are required to certify the completion date of these tests to the Secretary of State, who will post this information online.

Furthermore, the bill modifies existing provisions regarding the security and handling of ballots during the counting process. It requires election officials to provide the Secretary of State with the anticipated date for the completion of the required testing, replacing previous language that detailed the testing process itself. The bill also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding ballots and outlines procedures for counting write-in votes, managing damaged ballots, and ensuring the security of the counting process. The original sections of the law that are being amended are repealed, streamlining the regulations surrounding election procedures in Nebraska.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-101, 32-1049