Relating to the tabulation and reporting of votes, including certain technological requirements for ballots.
The bill's provisions are intended to streamline the voting process while implementing stricter measures for verifying and reporting votes. Notably, it requires a manual recount in the event of discrepancies in vote counts at both the precinct and county levels. This change is expected to fortify the integrity of election results by ensuring that any irregularities are thoroughly examined. Additionally, the transmission of election data is required to be conducted on secure, non-internet connected devices, utilizing asymmetric cryptography to protect sensitive information, thereby addressing concerns over cybersecurity vulnerabilities in election processes.
SB27 introduces significant changes to the Election Code, particularly focusing on the tabulation and reporting of votes. One notable amendment requires that all ballots include a watermark, enhancing the security and authenticity of the voting process. This addition aims to prevent fraud and ensure that each ballot can be verified as legitimate. Furthermore, the bill mandates that each county is responsible for ensuring that the total number of votes cast matches the reported precinct and county totals, reinforcing accountability and accuracy in elections.
Despite the potential enhancements in security and accountability, SB27 could face opposition from various stakeholders concerned about the additional burdens it may place on county election officials. Critics may argue that the manual recount requirement and the incorporation of new technological measures could lead to delays and increased costs during elections. There are also concerns regarding how these measures will be implemented across different counties, particularly in areas with limited resources or technological capabilities. Thus, while the bill aims to improve election integrity, it may spark debates about local election management and the feasibility of adhering to the new mandates.