The implementation of HB 1163 could potentially enhance the integrity of the electoral process by ensuring that over voted ballots are not discarded during the counting phase. By requiring the return of these ballots to the voters, the bill aims to empower individuals to correct their mistakes and ensures that every effort is made to count valid votes. The additional requirement to track the number of over votes and under votes for each election will also contribute to increasing transparency during the election process. This move towards more detailed reporting may foster greater trust among the electorate regarding the accuracy of election outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 1163 addresses the handling of over voted ballots in the electoral process. This legislation mandates that any ballot with more votes than is legally permissible for a specific office or question will be returned to the voter by the electronic ballot counting device. The bill emphasizes the importance of ensuring that each ballot is counted accurately and instructs voters on how to proceed with their over voted ballots. When an over voted ballot is identified, the voter will be prompted to place it in an auxiliary compartment for hand counting by election officials post-election day.
Contention
Despite its intent to improve electoral integrity, HB 1163 may face contention related to practical implications during voting. Critics may argue that returning ballots to voters could lead to confusion, particularly for absentee voters who may not be physically present to rectify their over votes. Additionally, the requirement for hand counting could slow down the overall election process, leading to delays in reporting results. Some stakeholders might express concerns over how effectively election officials will manage this increased workload, particularly in jurisdictions with high voter turnout. Such practical challenges could be points of debate during discussions surrounding the bill.