The Secure Elections Act has significant implications for state election laws, particularly in the handling and verification of absentee ballots. By instituting a standard auditing procedure, the bill seeks to build public confidence in election results while protecting against potential fraud. The prescribed methods for signature verification and the establishment of an auditing threshold are critical components designed to promote meticulous oversight during elections. Additionally, the local boards are tasked with reporting their audits to the state board, which enhances accountability in the election process.
Summary
Senate Bill 738, known as the Secure Elections Act of 2022, mandates that the State Board of Elections collaborate with local boards to conduct audits of absentee ballots in each statewide election. The bill establishes a framework for verifying voter signatures on absentee ballots, requiring a certain percentage of these ballots to be audited to ensure their legitimacy. If the number of unverifiable signatures exceeds a defined threshold, all remaining absentee ballots must undergo an audit to confirm their eligibility for counting. This measure aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral process in Maryland by ensuring that absentee voting remains secure and transparent.
Contention
It is expected that some lawmakers and advocacy groups may express concerns regarding the potential for increased voter disenfranchisement due to strict signature verification requirements. Critics of such audits often raise the issue that various reasons, including clerical errors or differences in signatures due to aging or health conditions, could lead to legitimate votes being rejected. Therefore, while the intent of SB738 is to secure elections, the implementation of this bill may spark discussions regarding balancing election integrity with access to voting, particularly for vulnerable populations who might face challenges in the verification process.
In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for general primary and candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected and providing for school district budget timeline for 2024 and for procedure for securing approval of electors.
To Create The Arkansas Absentee Voter Integrity Act Of 2023; To Amend The Law Concerning Counting Absentee Ballots; To Amend The Law Concerning Elections; And To Amend The Law Concerning The Duties Of The Secretary Of State.