This bill mandates the preservation of external storage devices used in electronic ballot counting until the resolution of any election contest and the expiration of all appeals, or for a minimum of 22 months following federal elections and 60 days for non-federal elections, whichever period is longer. The bill introduces new provisions that exempt extra external storage devices programmed but not utilized during the election from preservation requirements. Additionally, it amends existing laws to replace references to "memory cards" with "external storage devices" and outlines specific procedures for the handling and security of these devices by town or city clerks.

Furthermore, the bill establishes protocols for the pre-election testing of electronic ballot counting devices, requiring clerks to document the testing process and results. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the counting devices by mandating the use of seals and activity logs to track access and any tampering. The bill also stipulates that the town or city clerk must certify that all devices have passed pre-election testing and that all seals are intact before the devices are used on election day. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 33-A:3-a
As Amended by the House: 33-A:3-a, 656:42
As Amended by the Senate: 33-A:3-a, 656:42
Version adopted by both bodies: 33-A:3-a, 656:42
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 33-A:3-a, 656:42