SB1316: Elections; conduct of election, election results, post-election forensic audits.

Legislative Summary

Elections; conduct of election; election results; post-election forensic audits. Provides for the conduct of a forensic audit of an election in a county or city upon the request of certain officials or upon the petition of a group of residents of the locality in question. The purpose of an audit is to determine the accuracy and legality of the election in question. The bill provides that an audit includes a review of all materials, equipment, and procedures used during any part of the election, including ballots, pollbooks, voting machines, and routers. The bill requires that the audit be open to the public and states that the auditing process may include participation by residents. The results of the audit are to be presented to a jury of local residents who have the power to declare the election valid or invalid. The bill also gives the State Inspector General the power and duty to conduct an audit of the 2020 general election and requires him to produce a report of his findings.