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 publicly accessible to registered voters without needing to reference the Freedom of Information Act. The bill outlines the Secretary of State's responsibilities for maintaining and providing this data, ensuring it is preserved without manipulation for at least five years. Additionally, it establishes strict guidelines for electronic voting systems, including prohibiting connections to wireless networks and requiring hand counting of ballots in specific situations.

Moreover, the bill enhances procedures for addressing allegations of illegal voting and election fraud by mandating thorough investigations by county sheriffs and allowing them to seek assistance from state agencies or qualified vendors. It specifies that electronic voting systems must not be associated with foreign entities and requires random inspections to ensure compliance with security standards. The legislation also mandates that hand-marked paper ballot counting adhere to established procedures and outlines requirements for annual physical inspections of electronic voting machines. Overall, the proposed legislation aims to strengthen the integrity of elections in West Virginia by increasing accountability and transparency 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