Kansas House Bill HB2504

Kansas 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/16/24
• Refer: 1/16/24
• Report Pass: 2/1/24

Caption

Requiring that only physical paper ballots be reviewed when conducting election audits.

Impact

The implementation of HB2504 is expected to tighten election auditing procedures significantly, reinforcing the importance of paper ballots in preserving electoral accuracy. By establishing a systematic approach to auditing, the bill aims to provide greater confidence among voters in the outcome of elections. This change is particularly relevant given ongoing nationwide discussions around election security and integrity, as it seeks to address concerns around the potential vulnerabilities of electronic voting systems.

Summary

House Bill 2504 focuses on election integrity by mandating the use of only physical paper ballots during election audits in the state of Kansas. Specifically, the bill amends K.S.A. 2023 Supp. 25-3009 to stipulate that in the wake of elections, the manual audits will occur in a set percentage of precincts, ensuring that all votes cast by paper ballots are reviewed. This move is intended to enhance the reliability and transparency of the election process by ensuring that electronic ballot images are not considered substitutes for the physical ballots used during the voting process.

Contention

Despite its intentions, the bill has faced criticism from various stakeholders. Some opponents argue that focusing solely on paper ballots could slow down the auditing process and place undue burdens on local election officials. Moreover, there are concerns that the bill does not adequately address the nuances of modern voting, where a mixture of voting methods, including electronic systems, plays a crucial role in ensuring voter accessibility. These challenges highlight the delicate balance between enhancing election security and maintaining efficient and accessible voting processes.