This bill proposes amendments to the Code of West Virginia by introducing two new sections, 3-1-32a and 3-4A-27a, aimed at enhancing voter identification and ballot verification processes in statewide elections. Section 3-1-32a allows voters to affix a unique mark on their ballots for identification purposes and mandates that each ballot includes a unique number and a designated space for this mark. It also stipulates that ballots should not be rejected solely based on the presence or absence of a unique mark, although election workers can spoil ballots if the mark is placed incorrectly.

Section 3-4A-27a focuses on electronic voting systems, requiring counties to capture and preserve ballot images and cast vote records without revealing any personally identifiable information. County election officials must provide these records to the Secretary of State, who is then responsible for publishing them online within 24 hours, ensuring that voter anonymity is maintained, especially in precincts with fewer than ten absentee or challenged ballots. The bill aims to facilitate transparency and verification of election results while safeguarding voter privacy.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-1-32a, 3-4A-27a