Bill Text - SB109 (2017)

Authorizing a moderator to conduct a verification count of machine-counted ballots.


Revision: Jan. 24, 2017, 12:45 p.m.

SB 109  - AS INTRODUCED

 

 

2017 SESSION

17-0907

03/08

 

SENATE BILL 109

 

AN ACT authorizing a moderator to conduct a verification count of machine-counted ballots.

 

SPONSORS: Sen. Fuller Clark, Dist 21; Rep. Porter, Hills. 1; Rep. J. Schmidt, Hills. 28; Rep. Ward, Rock. 28; Rep. Burton, Straf. 6; Rep. Massimilla, Graf. 1

 

COMMITTEE: Election Law and Internal Affairs

 

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ANALYSIS

 

This bill authorizes a moderator to conduct a verification count of machine-counted ballots.

 

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

17-0907

03/08

 

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

 

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Seventeen

 

AN ACT authorizing a moderator to conduct a verification count of machine-counted ballots.

 

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

 

1  New Section; Authority of Moderator to Verify Accuracy of Vote Count.  Amend RSA 659 by inserting after section 60 the following new section:

659:60-a  Authority of Moderator to Verify Accuracy of Vote Count.  The moderator may, at his or her discretion, conduct a verification count of machine-counted ballots.  The moderator and his or her assistants shall visually inspect each ballot and count the number of votes cast for each candidate for an office selected by the moderator.  The moderator shall then compare that vote count with the vote count generated by the ballot counting device.  If the vote counts differ, the moderator may repeat the procedure for additional offices.  If the moderator finds consistent inaccuracies in the machine count, the moderator shall announce the results of both the verification counts and the machine counts and shall direct the clerk to use the verification counts when completing the return.  No candidate for any office on the ballot may request or participate in a verification count.

2  Effective Date.  This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.