The bill amends existing laws regarding the conduct of elections and the handling of 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 in any contest where the total number of write-in votes cast may affect the outcome of the election. This includes situations where the number of write-in votes falls within the margins for a valid recount request. The local board must report the total qualified write-in votes to the state board of elections.

Additionally, the bill mandates that the state board of elections publish on its website images of all write-in votes cast for each particular office, regardless of candidate eligibility or whether the votes may affect the election outcome. The state board is also required to report all write-in votes adjudicated by the local board in accordance with section 17-19-31. Furthermore, a write-in candidate who has filed the required campaign finance reports or has not exceeded the exemption limits is entitled to an adjudication of the write-in votes cast in their contest, regardless of the total number of write-in votes.

This act aims to enhance transparency in the electoral process by ensuring that all write-in votes are documented and accessible to the public. The bill will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7358: 17-19-31, 17-22-7