Bill

Bill > SB58


MT SB58

Revise vote count procedures


summary

Introduced
12/16/2024
In Committee
02/07/2025
Crossed Over
02/06/2025
Passed
03/26/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/17/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT REVISING VOTE COUNT PROCEDURES; REQUIRING AN ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION WHEN THE COUNTING BOARD CANNOT RECONCILE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BALLOTS WITH THE POLLBOOK PREPARED FOR COUNTING WITH THE RECORD OF BALLOTS ACCEPTED; REQUIRING AN ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR TO REPORT THE INVESTIGATION TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY CANVASSERS; AMING SECTION 13-15-201, MCA; AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.”

AI Summary

This bill revises vote count procedures in Montana by modifying existing election laws to enhance ballot reconciliation and transparency. Specifically, the bill requires that when a counting board cannot reconcile the total number of ballots with the record of accepted ballots, the board must submit a written report detailing any discrepancies. If the discrepancy cannot be satisfactorily explained, the election administrator is now mandated to conduct a thorough investigation, which may include recounting ballots and reviewing the record of accepted ballots. The election administrator must then provide a detailed report of the investigation to the board of county canvassers, describing the investigation process and the reason for any ballot count discrepancies. The bill also updates terminology, replacing references to "pollbook" with "record of accepted ballots" and adds more specific requirements for ballot validation. These changes aim to increase election integrity by creating a more rigorous process for identifying and addressing potential irregularities in ballot counting. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Chapter Number Assigned (on 04/18/2025)

bill text


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