ELEC CD-RISK-LIMITING AUDIT
The bill mandates the State Board of Elections to develop regulations that establish a certification process to ensure that the auditing procedures implemented by election authorities meet specific requirements. This certification is crucial as it ensures that the auditing method adheres to generally accepted statistical practices, thereby reinforcing public confidence in electoral outcomes. Furthermore, the bill allows for the potential waiver of this certification process under certain conditions, which may streamline auditing for some election authorities, although it raises questions about the consistency of auditing standards across different jurisdictions.
House Bill 2835 amends the Illinois Election Code by introducing risk-limiting audits for elections. The bill permits election authorities to conduct these audits both before and after the certification of election results, aiming to improve the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The decision to perform an audit, including its scope and use of results, is granted full discretion to the election authority, which is intended to foster a more customizable and responsive auditing process tailored to specific election needs.
One significant point of contention surrounding HB2835 relates to the discretion given to election authorities in conducting audits. Supporters argue that this flexibility allows for tailored approaches that can adapt to various electoral scenarios, potentially increasing the effectiveness of the audits. Conversely, critics voice concern that excessive discretion could lead to inconsistencies in how audits are conducted, potentially diminishing the perceived fairness and objectivity in election processes. Thus, the balance between local control and the need for standardized auditing procedures has become a topic of ongoing debate among lawmakers and stakeholders.