This bill mandates the preservation of electronic ballot counting device memory chips along with other election materials until the election contest is resolved, all appeals are exhausted, or at least 22 months after the election, whichever period is longer. The bill amends existing law by adding the requirement to preserve "electronic ballot counting device memory cards" to the list of materials that must be kept by the town clerk. Additionally, it specifies that extra memory cards that were programmed but not used during the election are exempt from preservation. The bill also modifies the procedures for handling these memory devices, including locking them in a safe and maintaining an activity log of individuals who have access to them.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new provisions regarding the handling and testing of electronic ballot counting devices. It requires the vendor to provide an exact electronic record of data written to each memory card before elections and outlines the responsibilities of town or city clerks in securing and testing these devices. The clerks must conduct pre-election tests, document the results, and ensure that all seals on the devices are intact before the election. The bill aims to enhance the security and integrity of the election process by establishing stricter guidelines for the preservation and handling of electronic voting materials.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 33-A:3-a
As Amended by the House: 33-A:3-a, 656:42