The bill mandates that each county clerk in Wyoming conduct a hand count audit of actual ballots cast during the 2026 primary and general elections. This audit will involve a physical examination of approximately five percent of the total ballots cast, comparing the results of the hand count to those tabulated by electronic voting equipment. The county clerk is required to audit one federal race and one statewide race, as selected by the secretary of state, along with all legislative races printed on the ballot. The results of these audits must be reported to the secretary of state, particularly if any inconsistencies or errors are found between the electronic count and the hand count.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding the appointment of election judges and counting boards. It specifies that the county clerk may appoint judges to serve on audit boards, which is a new provision. For the 2026 elections, judges of election are prohibited from being members of a counting board at the same election, except for the purposes of the hand count audit. The bill also outlines the process for conducting the hand count audit, including the appointment of audit boards and the reporting of any discrepancies found during the audit process. The act is effective immediately upon completion of the necessary legislative procedures.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-8-101, 22-8-102