Bill > HB2046

This bill amends Arizona's election code to modify procedures for vote tabulation and hand counting in elections. The key changes include allowing hand counts to be conducted at voting centers in addition to traditional precincts, expanding the hand count process to include up to five contested races (including the presidential race when applicable), and establishing detailed procedures for selecting which precincts or voting centers will be audited. The bill requires county election officers to conduct hand counts within 24 hours after poll closing or tabulation completion, with political party representatives participating in the count. If discrepancies are found between machine tabulations and hand counts that exceed a designated margin, the bill outlines a process for expanding the hand count, potentially to the entire jurisdiction for a specific race. The legislation also establishes a vote count verification committee to set "designated margins" for determining when hand count differences trigger further investigation, and requires counties to make hand count results publicly available. Additionally, the bill maintains provisions for early ballot audits and ensures that election officials retain custody of ballots for potential hand count purposes, with an emphasis on maintaining ballot security and transparency in the election verification process.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/81704