This bill proposes comprehensive reforms to the election process in West Virginia, emphasizing transparency and security. It introduces the definition of "Public Election Related Information and Data," which includes various types of election data such as cast vote records (CVRs), and mandates that this information be accessible to registered voters without needing to reference the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The bill establishes strict guidelines for the maintenance and disclosure of this data, requiring it to be preserved without manipulation for at least five years. It also outlines the responsibilities of the Secretary of State and county officials in maintaining election data integrity and mandates thorough investigations of any voter fraud allegations by county sheriffs.

Additionally, the bill imposes restrictions on electronic voting systems, prohibiting the use of software or hardware from foreign entities and requiring hand counting of ballots when voting systems are not approved. It mandates random inspections of electronic voting machines to ensure compliance with security standards. The bill also establishes procedures for hand-marked paper ballot counting and introduces a new section requiring annual inspections of voting equipment to ensure the absence of wireless communication capabilities and vote manipulation algorithms. Overall, these provisions aim to enhance the integrity of elections in West Virginia by increasing transparency, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding against potential fraud.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-1-2, 3-1-39, 3-1-39a, 3-1A-6, 3-4A-1, 3-4A-35, 3-4A-36, 3-4A-37