HB 5236
The purpose of this bill is to ensure compliance with state law requiring ballot tabulating equipment to not be connected to the internet, by requiring random inspections by the Secretary of State, including all necessary reporting.
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to ensure West Virginia’s election equipment complies with state law by requiring random inspections of ballot tabulating equipment. County commissions must inspect all equipment before each election to confirm it’s not connected to the internet, and the Secretary of State will conduct a separate, statewide audit. Reports detailing these inspections and audits will be required, and any non-compliant equipment will not be used until verified.
Key provisions
- County commissions must inspect precinct tabulating equipment before each election.
- Equipment must be independent and nonnetworked, with no internet connectivity.
- County commissions must submit reports detailing inspection findings.
- The Secretary of State will conduct a pre-election audit of 10% of equipment in at least five counties.
- The Secretary of State will prepare and publicly release audit reports.
- Non-compliant equipment cannot be used until verified.
- Reports must verify the absence of modems and SIM cards in tabulators.
- Inspection reports must include a narrative of actions to mitigate errors.
Who is affected
- County Commissions
- West Virginia Voters
- Secretary of State’s Office
- Election Officials
- Political Parties
Notable changes
- Requires random inspections of ballot tabulating equipment by the Secretary of State.
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