Hand count audit; technical correction
The proposed modifications emphasize rigorous auditing practices, including the necessity of hand counts for specified elections. The county election officer is tasked with executing these hand counts under certain criteria, such as selecting precincts at random, with a mix of party representation to mitigate partisan bias. The bill aims to ensure that any discrepancies between hand counts and electronic tabulations are addressed through an established escalation process, thereby aiming to reinforce public confidence in election results.
SB1592 aims to amend section 16-602 of the Arizona Revised Statutes concerning the conduct of elections, specifically focusing on the procedures for hand counting votes. The bill mandates that in any primary, special, or general election where votes are cast via electronic machines or tabulators, election judges are required to compare the number of votes as recorded by these machines with the total recorded in poll lists and provisional ballots. This process must be documented in a report submitted to the officer in charge of elections, enhancing the transparency of the electoral process.
However, the bill may lead to disputes concerning the execution of these hand counts, as it imposes strict procedural requirements and could heighten tensions between political parties regarding election integrity. Critics may argue that while the intent of the bill is to safeguard electoral integrity, the implementation might lead to logistical challenges and allegations of partisanship, particularly when determining adequate staffing from various political parties for the hand count process. Additionally, the bill’s procedures for expanded hand counts in case of discrepancies might face scrutiny regarding their efficacy and the potential for delays in finalizing election results.