This amendment expands the bill from requiring a 2026 hand count audit to establishing a comprehensive statewide recount process with hand count requirements, creates an election recount account, and modifies related election code provisions.
- Adds detailed language to the bill's purpose describing the new recount process, hand count procedures, authorization for secretary of state and county clerks to require recounts, candidate-requested recounts, recount costs, counting board requirements, election date amendments, and recount judge provisions. (Page 1, lines 1-11)
- Adds rulemaking requirement, election recount account creation, conforming amendments, and appropriations to the bill's purpose. (Page 1, lines 13-16)
- Expands the list of amended statutes to include numerous election code sections related to recounts, counting boards, and canvassing procedures. (Page 1, lines 18-28)
- Adds definition of 'recount' as counting ballots by hand or processing through tabulation system for the purpose of counting votes again based on specified criteria. (Page 1, lines 32-43)
- Changes primary election date from first Tuesday after third Monday in August to first Tuesday after first Monday in August, and modifies bond election timing options to include first Tuesday after first Monday in August. (Page 2, lines 1-13)
- Clarifies that election judges appointed to conduct recounts are eligible to serve in addition to counting boards. (Page 2, lines 15-17)
- References new subsection (e) regarding appointment of counting boards for recounts. (Page 2, lines 19)
- Establishes new provisions for counting board appointment and authority, including requirements that counting boards consist of three or more members and specifying when they may commence work on election day. (Page 3, lines 23-42)
- Authorizes county clerk to appoint counting boards for purposes of completing recounts with a minimum of three members and discretion to appoint additional members as needed. (Page 3, lines 2-6)
- Adds hand count as an exception to machine counting requirements for ballots and specifies secretary of state may establish standards for counting hand-recounted ballots. (Page 3, lines 12-25)
- Changes deadline for county canvassing board meeting from first Friday to second Friday after election. (Page 3, lines 40-47)
- Establishes comprehensive recount procedures triggered by margin of less than two percent for federal, statewide, or legislative offices; requires hand counts for close federal/statewide races and electronic counts for other offices; allows discretionary recounts by secretary of state and county clerk; creates election recount account with continuous appropriation for hand recount administration. (Page 4-5, lines 2-30)
- Allows candidates to request recounts and specify whether to use electronic voting equipment or hand count via affidavit. (Page 5, lines 35-42)
- Establishes automatic hand count recounts for ballot propositions within one percent of passage threshold (statewide) or two percent (non-statewide); allows hand count recounts requested by 25 registered electors with deposit requirements; permits requesters to specify hand count or electronic equipment method. (Page 5-6, lines 44-29)
- Establishes deposit requirements for recount affidavits based on vote margin and counting method; provides county payment of costs if election result changes; allows county clerk to seek state reimbursement for reasonable expenses exceeding $5,000 from election recount account; defines reasonable expenses as facility rental, wages, per diem, and mileage. (Page 6-7, lines 40-32)
- Clarifies cost responsibility: county pays for clerk/canvassing board-initiated recounts; state pays for secretary of state-initiated recounts and statutorily required recounts; requesters pay up to deposit amount if results don't change. (Page 7, lines 34-41)
- Changes state canvassing board meeting deadline from second Wednesday to third Wednesday following election. (Page 7, lines 43-46)
- Repeals W.S. 22-8-108(b) and 22-16-111(c). (Page 8, lines 8-9)
- Appropriates $200,000 from general fund to election recount account created under the recount provisions. (Page 8, lines 15-18)Agency: Secretary of State · $200,000 General Fund
- Changes effective date to January 1, 2027, with Sections 3 and 5 effective immediately upon bill passage. (Page 8, lines 22-29)
AI-generated summary · Verify against the amendment text (PDF) · Notice a problem? Let us know
