Requires audits by hand recount of voter verifiable audit records.
Summary
Bill A01918 seeks to amend New York's election law to require that audits of voter verifiable audit records be conducted by hand recount rather than allowing for automated tools. The bill specifies that these audits must occur within a set timeframe following elections, including general, special, and primary elections. It mandates that a bipartisan committee or the board of elections perform these audits on a random selection of voting machines or systems, ensuring transparency and oversight by allowing candidates and political parties to appoint watchers during the audit process.
Impact
The passage of Bill A01918 would significantly alter the current auditing process for elections in New York by eliminating the option for automated audits and requiring manual recounts. This change aims to enhance the integrity and accountability of election results. It will affect the operations of the board of elections and could lead to increased time and resources needed for post-election audits, potentially impacting the overall election timeline.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill A01918 appears to be mixed, with proponents advocating for increased transparency and voter confidence in election outcomes, while opponents may express concerns about the feasibility and efficiency of conducting manual audits. The lack of voting history and committee discussion transcripts makes it difficult to gauge the full extent of support or opposition at this stage.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the practicality of implementing mandatory hand recounts, especially in jurisdictions with a high volume of votes. Some stakeholders, particularly those focused on election efficiency, may argue against the bill, while advocates for election integrity and transparency will likely support it. The balance between ensuring accurate election results and maintaining efficient election processes is likely to be a key area of debate.
Expands authrority of State Auditor on performance audits of school districts; requires State Auditor to issue report on school district audits from precious five years; requires appropriation of $1.5 million to Office of State Auditor annually for audits.