This bill establishes a new process for conducting recounts in elections, specifically allowing for hand counting of votes. It authorizes the Secretary of State and county clerks to require recounts under certain conditions and permits candidates to request hand counts. The bill outlines the costs associated with recounts, clarifies the appointment of counting boards, and mandates rulemaking to ensure proper procedures are followed. Additionally, it creates an election recount account to manage funds related to these recounts and includes an appropriation of $200,000 from the general fund for this purpose.

Key amendments include the definition of "recount" to encompass both hand counting and electronic tabulation, the specification that recounts for certain offices must be conducted by hand if the vote difference is less than two percent, and the introduction of a new subsection that allows candidates to specify the method of recount in their affidavits. The bill also repeals certain existing provisions related to recounts, streamlining the process. The effective date for this legislation is set for July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-1-102, 22-8-102, 22-8-108, 22-14-114, 22-16-109, 22-16-110, 22-16-111, 22-16-113