Bill > SB58

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.

Government Affairs

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2038