The bill amends existing laws regarding the conduct of elections and the handling of irregular ballots and write-in votes. It introduces a new section, 17-19-31, which requires the local board of canvassers to adjudicate each individual write-in vote cast for an office if the total number of write-in votes could affect the election outcome. The local board must report the total qualified write-in votes to the state board, which will notify the local board when the total write-in votes cast in any contest may impact the outcome.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 17-22-7 to require the state board to publish images of all write-in votes cast for each particular office on its website, regardless of candidate eligibility or whether the votes may affect the election outcome. The state board must also report all write-in votes adjudicated by the local board. The overall aim of the bill is to enhance transparency in the election process by ensuring that all write-in votes are documented and made accessible to the public. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5516: 17-19-31, 17-22-7
5516  SUB A: 17-19-31, 17-22-7
5516  SUB A as amended: 17-19-31, 17-22-7