Modifies provisions relating to elections
The enactment of SB1473 is expected to impact state laws significantly by adding layers of verification before election results are certified. Specifically, it mandates that election authorities conduct random manual audits of at least five percent of the voting precincts, which will include various highly contested elections and ballot issues. This audit process is not only aimed at increasing transparency but also seeks to address potential discrepancies between electronically counted ballots and the actual votes cast, thus enhancing public trust in the electoral process.
Senate Bill 1473 proposes amendments to various provisions regarding elections in Missouri, aiming to enhance the security and auditing processes associated with voting. The bill repeals existing sections of the law related to elections and enacts new provisions that focus on ensuring the integrity of the voting process. A significant feature of the bill is the introduction of a manual hand-count audit, which will be conducted on a random selection of election precincts prior to the certification of each election, ensuring that there is a tangible means of verifying the accuracy of electronic voting results.
While the bill has garnered support from advocates seeking improved election integrity, it may also face opposition from those who perceive it as an unnecessary burden on election administration. Critics may argue that conducting manual audits on such a scale could complicate the election process and prolong the time required for certification of results. Furthermore, there may be concerns regarding the resources and logistics needed to implement these audits effectively, thus bringing forth discussions around the balance between security measures and practical execution in the electoral framework.