The bill, S.B. No. 2816, amends Section 127.201 of the Election Code to enhance the accuracy of electronic voting system results through a more structured manual counting process. It mandates that the general custodian of election records conduct a manual count of ballots from either at least one percent of election precincts or three precincts, whichever is greater, or at least one percent of polling places participating in the countywide polling place program, also or three countywide polling places, whichever is greater. The bill introduces a new requirement for the custodian to select these precincts or polling places at random and to commence the count within 72 hours after polls close, completing it no later than the 21st day after election day.

Additionally, the bill specifies that in general elections, primary elections, or elections on proposed amendments, the secretary of state will select the precincts or countywide polling places to be counted, limiting the count to no more than three offices and three propositions. The secretary must notify the general custodian of the selected precincts or polling places, offices, and propositions no earlier than the day after election day. Furthermore, the general custodian is required to post a notice of the count's date, hour, and place on the county's Internet website home page, replacing the previous requirement to post this information in the custodian's office. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Election Code 127.201 (Election Code 127)