Relating to a forensic audit of 2020 election results in certain counties.
If passed, the bill would amend the Election Code by adding Chapter 280, which mandates that the audit should begin by November 1, 2021, and be completed by February 1, 2022. Following the audit's completion, a report summarizing any discovered anomalies or discrepancies in the election data must be submitted to state leadership. This requirement introduces a formal process aimed at enhancing the integrity and transparency of the electoral process, particularly in large counties that were central to the election outcomes.
House Bill 241 aims to implement a forensic audit of the 2020 general election results specifically in counties with a population of 415,000 or more. The bill proposes that the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives appoint an independent third party to carry out the audit. This independent audit is intended to review precincts in the specified counties, ensuring thorough scrutiny of the election process and its results.
However, the bill has sparked notable contention within legislative discussions. Supporters argue that the audit is a necessary step to restore confidence in the electoral process and ensure that every vote is accounted for accurately. On the other hand, opponents criticize the move as potentially undermining the public's trust in the electoral system and claim it may promote unfounded conspiracy theories surrounding the election's validity. The expiration clause in the bill, which states that it will end on April 1, 2022, further adds a layer of urgency to the discussions surrounding its implementation.