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-related data, such as cast vote records (CVRs). This data will be made publicly available to registered voters without needing to reference the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), and existing exemptions to this act will not apply. The bill mandates the maintenance of this data for a minimum of five years and requires prompt provision upon request. Additionally, it outlines new procedures for investigating allegations of illegal voting and election fraud, highlighting the role of county sheriffs in these investigations.

The legislation also imposes restrictions on electronic voting systems, prohibiting the use of software or hardware from foreign entities or individuals not recognized as U.S. citizens. It requires that any voting system not approved by the Secretary of State necessitates hand counting of paper ballots at the precinct level. The bill includes provisions for random inspections of electronic voting machines to ensure their integrity and mandates annual inspections of voting equipment by the Secretary of State to confirm the absence of wireless communication capabilities and vote manipulation algorithms. Furthermore, it specifies that all vote tabulation must be counted in whole numbers, prohibiting any decimal value counting. Overall, the proposed legislation aims to enhance the security and transparency of elections in West Virginia, ensuring voter trust in the electoral process.

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