Authorizing a forensic audit of the November 3, 2020 election results in Merrimack county for president, governor, and United States senate races.
The bill mandates the formation of a forensic election audit team comprising representatives from the towns involved, state legislative bodies, and a technical lead. This team is responsible for overseeing the audit process, which includes assessing ballot counting, machine operations, and the examination of ballots for authenticity. An expansion of the audit to statewide coverage is triggered if significant discrepancies (over 500 votes) from the official results are found. Additionally, an election audit fund is created to cover the audit costs, which will be funded through state appropriations and private contributions.
House Bill 1473 (HB1473) authorizes a forensic audit of the November 3, 2020 election results specifically for the presidential, gubernatorial, and U.S. Senate races in Merrimack County. The bill aims to enhance voter confidence in the electoral process by identifying vulnerabilities that may necessitate improved business controls and practices. To ensure an unbiased audit, current election personnel and prior experts involved in the process are excluded from participation.
The sentiment towards HB1473 is notably divided, reflecting broader national debates on election integrity and trust in democratic processes. Supporters advocate for the bill as a necessary measure to uphold electoral integrity and provide transparency. Conversely, opponents express concerns regarding the potential for the audit to sow further distrust in election outcomes, questioning the necessity of the measures given that the election results have been certified. They worry that such audits could lead to unnecessary disruptions and political polarization.
Key points of contention surrounding HB1473 include debates on the legitimacy and need for a forensic audit following certified election results. Critics argue that the bill could pave the way for practices that challenge the foundational aspect of democracy by potentially undermining the legitimacy of elected officials. Supporters counter that the measure is crucial for restoring public trust in elections and ensuring that any potential errors are addressed through transparent and thoroughly evaluated processes. The outcomes of the audit and the recommendations thereafter are yet to be determined, but will likely continue to fuel discussions about election integrity in New Hampshire.