Bill > H5713

This bill amends the existing law regarding local canvassing authorities by introducing new restrictions on who can serve as a member of these authorities. Specifically, the bill prohibits members of elected city/town political party committees and representative/senate district committees from serving on local canvassing authorities. If a current member of a local canvassing authority becomes a candidate for such a partisan political position, they must file a declination of candidacy within ten days or face consequences, including a $500 fine and immediate dismissal from the authority. The bill maintains the existing six-year term for local canvassing authority members and preserves previous qualifications, such as restrictions on employment by the United States, state, or the city/town where the authority operates. The new provisions aim to reduce potential political bias in local election administration by preventing individuals with active partisan roles from serving on canvassing authorities, which are responsible for certifying and overseeing local election results. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

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