This amendment fundamentally transforms the bill from a limited recount process to a comprehensive statewide mandate requiring hand counting of all ballots in Wyoming elections, eliminating electronic voting systems.
- Removes the limited scope of the original bill and replaces it with a comprehensive legislative mandate. Changes the catch title from 'hand counting for recounts' to a broader directive on election procedures. (Page 1, lines 4-5)
- Adds extensive legislative findings establishing that Wyoming elections should rely on paper ballots manually counted in public view to ensure transparency, security, accuracy, and public confidence, with explicit transition away from electronic tabulation systems. (Page 1-2, lines 32-38 and Page 2, lines 1-18)
- Creates new Article 2 (W.S. 22-6-201 through 22-6-210) establishing comprehensive statewide standards for manual ballot counting including ballot design standards, security, chain of custody, public observation requirements, standardized counting methodologies, training requirements, and prohibited use of electronic voting equipment. (Page 2, lines 19-47 and Page 3-7, lines 1-42)
- Replaces the definition of 'recount' to require manual hand counting for all recounts rather than allowing electronic tabulation; adds new definitions for counting centers, tally sheets, early voting, counting teams, election judges, provisional ballots, and other manual counting-related terms. (Page 2, lines 13-25 and Page 8-11, lines 1-25)
- Modifies ballot reconciliation procedures to require manual verification of ballot totals at each stage of the election process, including tracking issued, cast, spoiled, and provisional ballots with documented reconciliation forms. (Page 14-15, lines 1-47)
- Changes counting board composition and authority to require counting boards at designated hand counting centers in every county, with members representing both major political parties and trained in manual counting procedures. (Page 3, lines 13-22)
- Requires training schools for election judges and counting board members to include instruction in manual hand counting procedures before each primary and general election, with attendance mandatory unless training is otherwise provided. (Page 16, lines 27-47)
- Adds public notice requirements for any meetings concerning counting, auditing, canvassing, or recounting of ballots with at least seven days advance notice to political parties. (Page 7, lines 13-41 (W.S. 22-6-208))
- Prohibits the use of electronic voting equipment, tabulators, automated counting equipment, e-pollbooks, and scanners in all elections, with criminal penalties of up to $5,000 per violation for officials who knowingly violate this requirement. (Page 7, lines 6-23 (W.S. 22-6-210))
- Modifies provisions governing absentee voting, early voting, and provisional ballots to require manual counting under the same security and counting standards as in-person ballots cast on election day. (Page 5, lines 41-47 (W.S. 22-6-205))
- Changes post-election ballot audit procedures from statistical sampling to comprehensive ballot reconciliation at each stage of the election process, with new procedures for detecting and resolving discrepancies. (Page 14-15 (W.S. 22-6-130))
- Adds new election-related criminal offenses including interference with hand counting of ballots and tampering with hand count records, tally sheets, or vote reconciliation forms. (Page 21-22 (W.S. 22-26-112 and 22-26-119))
- Establishes applicability date for all changes to January 1, 2026, giving counties time to prepare for transition to manual counting systems. (Page 23, lines 1-2 (Section 5))
- Repeals numerous existing statutes related to electronic voting equipment and automated tabulation systems, including definitions and procedures for electronic pollbooks and voting machines. (Page 23, lines 41-47 (Section 4))
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