Bill > HB1745

This bill aims to enhance election integrity at the county level by mandating a comprehensive post-election audit process. Specifically, the bill requires each county to conduct a manual hand count audit of at least 12 precincts (or enough precincts to cover at least 5% of total ballots cast) following the 2024 general election. The audit will be performed by an impartial, independent company selected jointly by the county's Democratic and Republican party chairpersons, with a coin toss to resolve any selection disagreements. The audit will involve a manual hand count of physical ballots, comparing the manual count to the results generated by the county's tabulation equipment for specific races or ballot measures chosen by the party chairs. Public election observers will be allowed to monitor all stages of the audit, including examining original, duplicated, and adjudicated ballots. By December 31st of the election year, the auditing company must submit a detailed report to the legislature outlining audit findings and recommendations for improving ballot integrity in future elections. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it will take effect immediately upon passage, with the primary intent of assuring voters that only legitimate votes are accurately counted in Washington state elections.

Government Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1745&Year=2025&Initiative=false