This bill mandates that a machine count verification be conducted at the request of 10 registered voters who have cast ballots in an election. Specifically, it amends RSA 659:63 to include new provisions that require cities, towns, or municipalities using electronic ballot counting devices to perform a verification of the machine count for two specific elections if requested in writing by the voters before 10:00 a.m. on election day. The verification process involves comparing the physical ballots cast for two candidates in different races against the results reported by the electronic counting machine. If discrepancies of more than 0.2 percent are found, a hand count of all races on the ballot will be required.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes that the counting and tabulation of votes must be public and completed without adjournment or postponement. It also clarifies that documents generated during the tabulation process must be available for public review when election results are announced. The effective date of this act is set for 60 days after its passage. The fiscal impact of the bill is currently undetermined, as the Office of Legislative Budget Assistant is awaiting further information from the Department of State.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:63