Requires all ballots to be counted by hand and for such counting process to be recorded
Impact
Implementing HB 2633 would necessitate significant alterations to the state's election laws and procedures. Election authorities would be required to train personnel on efficient hand counting techniques and implement new administrative processes for managing ballots and documenting counts. These changes could lead to increased labor costs and time delays in reporting election results, with proponents arguing that the integrity of the election justifies these additional burdens. Additionally, jurisdictions that previously relied heavily on technology would need to reconsider their operational capacities and logistics.
Summary
House Bill 2633 aims to amend current electoral processes by mandating that all ballots be counted by hand instead of using electronic voting systems. This change is intended to enhance election integrity and ensure that the counting process is transparent and verifiable. Proponents of the bill assert that hand counting would eliminate concerns about the reliability of electronic voting machines, which have been scrutinized in recent elections for potential malfunctions and security vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the entire counting process must be documented and accessible for review to bolster community trust in the outcomes.
Contention
While there is strong support among some legislators for the move towards hand counting, there is also notable opposition. Critics argue that hand counting increases the risk of human error and may further complicate the voting process, leading to longer wait times for voters and potential disenfranchisement. They highlight that technological advancements have improved the accuracy and efficiency of electronic voting systems. Furthermore, concerns about the feasibility of hand counts in high-volume elections have been raised, leading to disputes over the practical implementation of the bill if passed.