HB0278

Clarifies voting machine and electronic voting system testing procedures, requires tests to be open to the public, and removes the presumption that certified machines are properly prepared.

• Requires county clerks to post public notice at least five days before voting machine testing (or 24 hours before re-testing) in their office and website, and notify political party chairs and independent candidates. Changes language to allow 'members of the public' to attend, rather than limiting attendance to party representatives. (W.S. 22-10-108(a), Sec. 1)
• Mandates that voting machine inspections and testing shall begin not less than two weeks before an election and must be publicly tested and sealed. (W.S. 22-10-108(b), Sec. 1)
• Removes the conclusive presumption that a certified voting machine is properly prepared, allowing machines to be challenged within two days after sealing and certification if a complaint is filed in district court. (W.S. 22-10-110, Sec. 1, Sec. 2)
• Authorizes the secretary of state to promulgate rules governing electronic voting system characteristics and testing procedures, including both system characteristics and procedures for testing and use. (W.S. 22-11-103(c), Sec. 1)
• Requires public notice of electronic voting system testing at least five days before testing (or 24 hours before re-testing), notification to state and county political party chairs, and specifies that members of the public may attend the test. (W.S. 22-11-104(b)(iii), Sec. 1)
• Specifies that electronic voting system tests must use a predetermined number of valid votes for each candidate and measure, include overvotes and undervotes for each race or measure, and requires results to be retained, posted to the county website, and provided to any person upon request. (W.S. 22-11-104(b)(iii), Sec. 1)

Effective: July 1, 2025

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