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 require town clerks to preserve electronic ballot counting device external storage devices alongside ballots and absentee ballot applications. Additionally, it specifies that extra external storage devices programmed but not used during the election are exempt from preservation.

The bill also updates the terminology from "memory card" to "external storage device" and outlines the responsibilities of town and city clerks regarding the handling and security of these devices. It includes requirements for logging access to the devices, conducting pre-election tests, and maintaining records of any tampering with seals on counting devices. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, ensuring that the integrity of the election process is upheld through stringent preservation and security measures.

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