This bill proposes significant amendments to election laws, primarily by changing references from "votes" to "ballots" throughout various sections to enhance clarity and consistency in election-related terminology. Notable changes include a requirement for political organizations to collect signatures amounting to 3 percent of the total ballots cast in the previous state general election for nominations. The bill also addresses the procedures for write-in candidates and recounts, establishing specific fees based on the percentage difference between the applying candidate's ballots and the declared winner's ballots. Furthermore, it limits candidates to one recount application under certain conditions and mandates the return of excess fees if the recount margin is less than one percent.

Additionally, the bill outlines new provisions regarding the recount process, stating that if a candidate is declared elected following a recount, the town clerk must refund all application fees within 10 days. If a candidate loses by a margin of less than one percent, any fees exceeding the minimum required amount must also be refunded within the same timeframe. The bill's modifications emphasize the importance of physical ballots in recounts, ensuring that the legal language reflects this focus. The act is set to take effect upon passage, allowing for immediate implementation of these changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31
As Amended by the Senate: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31
As Amended by the House: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31
Version adopted by both bodies: 655:42, 659:88, 659:91-a, 660:1, 660:2, 660:3, 660:6, 669:31