Remote accessible vote by mail systems: testing and examination: report.
Impact
The proposed changes under AB 737 are expected to improve transparency regarding the certification process of remote accessible vote by mail systems. By mandating that the reports are made publicly available online, the bill facilitates better oversight and accountability in the election process. This step could enhance public trust in remote voting methods, especially important in a time when many voters rely on mail-in ballots due to various accessibility issues.
Summary
Assembly Bill 737, introduced by Assembly Member Lackey on February 13, 2023, aims to amend Section 19288 of the Elections Code. The bill focuses on the testing and examination of remote accessible vote by mail systems. Under current law, the Secretary of State is responsible for testing these systems to ensure their accuracy and efficiency before granting them certification or conditional approval. This bill enhances existing protocols by requiring that the Secretary of State publishes the findings of these tests on its website, thus making the information more accessible to the public and stakeholders.
Contention
While the bill seems to hold merit in improving transparency, there could be points of contention regarding the security of the systems tested and certified. Critics might argue that merely publishing the certification status does not address deeper concerns around the integrity and security of remote voting systems. Additionally, there could be challenges related to how thorough the examinations are and whether the public can interpret and trust the results presented, raising questions about the expertise and independence of the assessment processes involved.
In electronic voting systems, further providing for examination and approval of electronic voting systems by the Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for malfunction and certification reporting; and making an editorial change.