Bill > HB2489

This bill introduces comprehensive election reform measures for West Virginia, focusing on increasing transparency, accountability, and security in the electoral process. The bill defines "Public Election Related Information and Data" as a broad category of election-related digital records, including cast vote records, system logs, and audit reports, which will now be fully accessible to registered voters through the Freedom of Information Act, with all typical exemptions specifically waived. The legislation mandates that electronic voting systems cannot be produced by foreign companies or in foreign countries, and requires the Secretary of State to conduct random annual physical inspections of voting equipment to verify the absence of wireless networking capabilities and potentially manipulative vote-counting algorithms. The bill also empowers county sheriffs to thoroughly investigate allegations of voter or election fraud, requiring full cooperation from election workers and allowing them to request forensic technology support if needed. Additionally, the bill stipulates that electronic voting system program codes, manuals, and software documentation must be publicly available at least three months before an election, and if a voting system is not approved, the county must resort to hand-counting paper ballots. The provisions are designed to enhance election integrity by providing unprecedented access to election data and implementing strict technological safeguards against potential tampering or foreign interference.