The bill aims to enhance transparency in election tabulation processes by requiring vendors of ballot tabulation machines, hardware, and software to provide the source code to county auditors. This initiative is driven by concerns over the accuracy of vote counts and the public's diminishing confidence in election results. The legislature believes that making this source code available to the public, upon request, will foster greater trust in the electoral process and encourage voter participation.

To implement this, the bill introduces a new section to chapter 29A.12 RCW, mandating that any contract with a vendor must include a provision for the disclosure of the source code, provided it is not deemed confidential. The county auditor is tasked with making this source code available for public inspection and copying, thereby promoting transparency in how votes are counted and reinforcing the integrity of the electoral system.