This bill proposes amendments to the Code of West Virginia regarding the auditing of election precincts and the timeframe for candidates to demand recounts. Specifically, it increases the percentage of precincts to be audited from three percent to ten percent during the election canvass, ensuring a more thorough verification of the electronically tabulated results. Additionally, the bill extends the period for candidates to demand a recount from 48 hours to five days following the declaration of election results, allowing candidates more time to assess the need for a recount after the manual audit is conducted.

The bill also includes several specific changes to existing legal language. For instance, it modifies the time reference for the examination of sealed materials from "nine o'clock in the morning" to "9:00 a.m." and adjusts the certification timeline for election results from "forty-eight hours" to "five days." Furthermore, it allows for a recount demand to be made within the same five-day period, ensuring that candidates have adequate time to review the results before making such requests. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-4A-28, 3-6-9