This bill introduces a new process for conducting recounts in elections, allowing for hand counting of votes as an option. It authorizes the Secretary of State and county clerks to require recounts under specified conditions and permits candidates to request hand counts. Key amendments include the definition of "recount" to encompass both hand counting and electronic tabulation, and the adjustment of the primary election date from the third to the first Monday in August. The bill also establishes an election recount account to fund recount-related expenses and specifies conditions under which recounts are required, such as vote differences of less than two percent for certain offices.

Additionally, the bill modifies the procedures for submitting bond questions to voters in political subdivisions, mandating that bond elections occur on the same day as a primary or general election or on specific Tuesdays in May, November, or August, replacing the previous requirement of the third Monday in August. It also requires political subdivisions to notify the county clerk at least 110 days before the bond election with details about the election date and bond question. The bill repeals sections W.S. 22-8-108(b) and 22-16-111(c) and appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to the election recount account. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0044 v0.3: 22-1-102, 22-2-104, 22-8-102, 22-8-108, 22-14-114, 22-16-103, 22-16-109, 22-16-110, 22-16-111, 22-16-113, 22-16-118, 22-21-103