This bill amends current election law to grant moderators the authority to conduct hand counts of ballots to verify the accuracy of device counts during elections. Specifically, it introduces a new section, RSA 659:60-a, which allows moderators to perform a hand count at their discretion and compare the results with the tabulator printout. If discrepancies arise, the hand count will take precedence for certifying election results. Additionally, moderators are required to report the hand count results to the city or town clerk, detailing the total votes recorded by the machine, the hand count totals, and any differences between the two counts.

Furthermore, the bill modifies RSA 659:73 by inserting provisions that require the inclusion of hand-count results in the election return reports if they are used instead of machine results. It mandates that machine results be reported as an addendum in such cases. The bill also updates the timeline for clerks to post election return forms and specifies that these forms should be made available in public locations, including municipal websites and social media accounts. The act will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 659:73
HB1223 text: 659:73