Senate Bill 1028 aims to enhance the security and integrity of election ballots in Tennessee by mandating the use of visible secure watermarks on all voting machine and paper ballots, including absentee ballots. The bill amends several sections of the Tennessee Code Annotated, specifically Sections 2-5-206, 2-5-207, and introduces new provisions under Section 2-5-212, which outline the requirements for these watermarks. The coordinator of elections is tasked with defining the method and type of watermark, ensuring it is easily discernible for verification purposes. Additionally, the bill prohibits the use of quick-response (QR) codes and bar codes for tabulating votes, emphasizing the need for human-readable text.

Furthermore, the bill establishes protocols for scanning and auditing paper ballots, requiring that all scanned images be maintained and posted online for transparency. It mandates that scanned ballots be stored securely and outlines the process for maintaining a chain of custody. The provisions for scanning and auditing will apply to all ballots used in primary or general elections conducted on or after July 1, 2025. Overall, the bill seeks to bolster voter confidence in the electoral process by implementing stringent security measures for ballot handling and tabulation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2-5-206(a), 2-5-206, 2-5-207(b)(2), 2-5-207, 2-5-208, 2-5-211, 2-6-202, 2-7-114(c)(1), 2-7-114, 2-9-101(d)(1), 2-9-101, 2-20-104(a)(1), 2-20-104