This bill mandates that a machine count verification be conducted at the request of 10 registered voters in a city, town, or municipality that utilizes electronic ballot counting devices. The request must be submitted in writing for two specific elections on the ballot 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 the verification shows a deviation of more than plus or minus 0.2 percent from the machine count, a hand count of all races on the ballot will be required.

To implement this, the bill amends RSA 659:63 by inserting new language that outlines the conditions under which the machine count verification must occur. The new provisions specify the process for residents to request the verification and the criteria for triggering a hand count. There are no deletions from the current law in this bill. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:63