S.B. No. 827 amends the Election Code to enhance the auditing process for elections using electronic voting systems. The bill mandates that the general custodian of election records conduct a manual count of all races in at least one percent of election day polling locations and early voting locations, or in three locations, whichever is greater. Additionally, it requires a manual count of all races on ballots by mail in at least one percent of precincts where such ballots were cast. The bill also introduces new provisions for the selection of polling locations and precincts, the appointment of early voting ballot board members, and the timeline for completing the manual count, which must be done within 21 days after election day or 30 days if a statewide risk-limiting audit is performed.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the general custodian must post a notice of the count and allow appointed watchers to be present during the count. It also requires the custodian to deliver a written report of the count results to the secretary of state and post the results on the county's website. The bill emphasizes that all counties must participate in the risk-limiting audit for selected statewide races or measures, regardless of their ballot counting methods. The changes are set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 127.201 (Election Code 127)
Senate Committee Report: Election Code 127.201, Election Code 127.302 (Election Code 127)
Engrossed: Election Code 127.201, Election Code 127.302 (Election Code 127)
House Committee Report: Election Code 127.201, Election Code 127.302 (Election Code 127)
Enrolled: Election Code 127.201, Election Code 127.302 (Election Code 127)