Massachusetts House Bill H876

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Strengthening the post-election audit process

Impact

The revisions to Section 109A of Chapter 54 of the General Laws put forth in this bill will significantly affect how election audits are conducted. It enhances the accountability of election officials by requiring hand-counted audits for various types of races, which is seen as a strong step towards ensuring electoral integrity. Municipal election boards will have defined responsibilities, including the announcement of audit times and procedures, to maintain public trust in the electoral process.

Summary

House Bill 876 aims to enhance the post-election audit process within Massachusetts by mandating audits after every biennial state election and regular state primary. The bill proposes specific protocols, including hand-counted audits for key races, ensuring that election officials closely monitor and verify the accuracy of vote counts through a systematic approach. The goal is to improve the integrity and transparency of elections while addressing public concerns regarding election accuracy.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the implementation of these post-election audits and the perceived burden they may impose on local election officials. Some legislators and stakeholders express concern about the feasibility and costs associated with increased audits, arguing that resources might be better allocated elsewhere. However, proponents counter that investing in election integrity not only safeguards democracy but may also enhance public confidence in electoral outcomes. Additionally, the establishment of a risk-limiting audit workgroup represents a proactive approach to refining and optimizing the auditing process.