Missouri House Bill HB1988

Missouri 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/5/22
• Refer: 5/13/22

Caption

Requires election results to be tabulated in a transparent and secure manner

Impact

If passed, HB1988 will significantly impact the procedures governing how election results are managed and disseminated. Each election authority will be responsible for tabulating results from their respective precincts before any data is officially communicated to the Secretary of State's office. This requirement is designed to enhance accountability and promote an accurate reflection of the vote counts reported, which will subsequently be accessible as public records. Furthermore, while electronic counting machines may be utilized for preliminary totals, they cannot be connected to the internet, employing an additional layer of security against potential data breaches.

Summary

House Bill 1988 seeks to amend chapter 115 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by introducing a new section dedicated to the certification of elections. Specifically, the bill mandates that all elections conducted in the state must have their final vote counts certified in a manner that ensures both transparency and security for audit purposes. This move is aimed at bolstering public confidence in the electoral process by requiring that all votes be tabulated clearly and audibly to reveal any possible discrepancies within the certified vote count.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB1988 revolves around the balance of security and accessibility in the electoral process. Critics may argue that while the intent to secure election processes is commendable, there could be practical implications regarding the logistics of counting and reporting votes, especially in larger jurisdictions. Additionally, there may be debates regarding potential costs and resource allocations to ensure compliance with the new tabulation methods, particularly for smaller counties which might struggle with the financial burden of implementing new technologies or practices. Overall, this bill could lead to broader discussions about voting rights and the integrity of the electoral system.