STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS29364 / S1274
This legislation would direct the Secretary of State to order a postelection audit of certain election results after
a general or primary election, using procedures he would be required to provide to county clerks at least 60
days prior to the election. Conducting such an audit would increase public confidence in election results by
checking the paper ballots, which exist for each and every vote cast in Idaho, against the election results that
the counties tabulate and report for the audited precincts. Audit findings could result in the Secretary of State
ordering the audit of additional ballots.
FISCAL NOTE
This legislation requires the Secretary of State to pay the cost of the postelection audit, including reimbursing
the county clerk for any costs incurred by the clerk in assisting in such an audit. These costs would be unlikely
to exceed $50,000 in statewide costs per primary and general election, unless additional audits were needed
based on postelection audit findings. Since the primary and general election occur in different fiscal years, this
would make for a cost of $50,000 per fiscal year, except for fiscal years in which both a presidential and a
regular state primary are held, which would result in a cost of up to $100,000 every fourth year, starting with
FY24.
Contact:
Jason Hancock, Deputy Secretary of State
(208) 334-2852
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 02/04/2022, 9:55 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 34-1201