Voting; require printed record of each vote.
If enacted, SB2105 will substantially modify the operational frameworks governing elections, specifically pertaining to how DRE units are tested and utilized. The bill requires that DRE units undergo logic, accuracy, and printing capability tests before each election, aiming to ensure that the votes cast are properly recorded and verifiable. The bill's implementation may lead to increased confidence in voting processes and could help safeguard against disputes over election outcomes by ensuring that a tangible record of votes is available for verification.
Senate Bill 2105 amends existing sections of the Mississippi Code to enhance the operational protocols for Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting units during elections. The legislation mandates that election officials must ensure a minimum utilization of DRE units in primary and general elections, stipulating that at least 75% of units available must be deployed. Additionally, it requires that poll managers ensure these units are tested for their printing capabilities, affirming that a record of each elector's vote is printed post-selection. These measures aim to bolster the integrity and reliability of electronic voting systems in Mississippi.
Despite its aims of improving election integrity, SB2105 may stir discussions around the operational burden it places on election officials. Some critics might argue that the additional testing requirements could delay the election process, while supporters believe that these protocols are necessary to uphold electoral transparency. Moreover, the attention to public involvement during tests, where candidates and the public can observe the verification of DRE units, might suggest a push towards increased transparency in election procedures.