HB 2745 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Provides that before each state primary or general election logic and accuracy testing of precinct-based systems or electronic voting devices must be performed by the county under the observation of the office of the secretary of state during the process of final preparation before system distribution to each pollsite.

Provides that, after all tests are performed and the machine is ready for distribution, the machine must be sealed and the seal number recorded. The procedure described in this act will serve as the official logic and accuracy test of these devices.

Directs the secretary of state to empanel a task force of elections and computer security experts to be known as the "Washington Voting Systems Board" to study and determine the potential for election fraud.

Provides that all poll-site based electronic voting devices shall produce an individual paper record, at the time of voting, that may be reviewed by the voter before finalizing his or her vote. This record may not be removed from the polling place and must be machine readable for counting purposes. If the device is programmed to display the ballot in multiple languages, the paper record produced must be printed in the language used by each voter.

Declares that paper records produced by poll-site based electronic voting devices are subject to all of the requirements of chapter 29A.44 RCW and chapter 29A.60 RCW for ballot handling, preservation, reconciliation, transit to the counting center, and storage. The paper records must be preserved in the same manner and for the same period of time as ballots.

Requires that ballot counting systems must be secured physically and electronically against unauthorized access.

Provides that anyone who removes a paper record produced by a poll-site based electronic voting system from a polling place without authorization is guilty of a class C felony punishable under RCW 9A.20.021.

Declares that nothing in this act prevents the state of Washington, its counties, or its voters from participating in the Secure Electronic Registration and Voting Experiment (SERVE) as authorized by PL 107-107, Title 16, section 1604 and chapter 17, Laws of 2003 1st sp. sess. including system certification, voter registration, and voting.