Bill > S517

This bill strengthens Massachusetts' post-election audit process by modifying existing election laws to enhance transparency and accuracy in vote counting. The bill requires hand-counted audits for specific races in selected precincts after biennial state elections and state primaries, including contests for congressional representatives, state legislators, governor, and presidential elections, as well as one randomly selected statewide race or ballot question. The audits must begin 15 days after the election, be conducted in full public view, and follow specific hand-counting procedures. The state secretary is tasked with comparing the audit results to the original vote tallies, analyzing any discrepancies, and publishing detailed findings online within 30 to 90 days of the election, which must be maintained for at least 6 years. Additionally, the bill establishes a risk-limiting audit workgroup composed of election experts, government officials, and representatives from voting rights organizations to investigate and recommend best practices for future audit methodologies. The workgroup is required to publish a comprehensive report by July 31, 2027, with potential recommendations for legislative improvements to the audit process. The bill also allows individual cities and towns to conduct additional audits at their discretion and makes minor technical changes to election timeline provisions.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S517