HB457 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Debbie Wood

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to elections; to require the canvassing board of each county to conduct a post-election audit after each county and statewide general election to determine the accuracy of the originally reported results of the election.

Summary

HB457 would require county canvassing boards to perform post-election audits after county and statewide general elections to verify the accuracy of reported results.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill requires a manual post-election audit in at least 20% of polling locations for a randomly chosen race in each election, with random selection methods including lots or computerization. If a discrepancy larger than 0.5% is found, the board will try to reconcile it or report the cause to the Secretary of State; the audit must be completed within 30 days of certification and findings are posted publicly. The process involves court petitions to access ballots, protective orders, observer access, and specific reporting to state officials.

Who It Affects

• Counties and canvassing boards (and the poll workers they hire): must conduct the post-election manual audit, arrange the audit logistics, obtain court authorization to access ballots, and be reimbursed for expenses; they also appoint poll workers and follow scheduled timelines.
• Secretary of State and state government: receive audit findings, publish results publicly, and report to the Governor and Legislature; may adopt implementing rules and forms.

Key Provisions

• Designates Alabama Post-Election Audit Act and requires the canvassing board of each county to conduct a post-election manual audit after each county and statewide general election to verify accuracy of reported results.
• Audit scope: manual tally of all ballots in at least one randomly selected race that appeared on the ballot in at least 20% of polling locations, with random selection methods (lots or computerized) ensuring broad coverage; if 20% is not a whole number, it is rounded up.
• Discrepancy process: if a discrepancy greater than 0.5% is found, the board attempts reconciliation; if not reconciled, they report the cause and findings to the Secretary of State.
• Audit logistics: the board selects the audit date/time/place at the regular meeting to certify results, appoints the necessary number of poll workers, and compensation is set like other elections.
• Access and authority: to begin the audit, the board must file a petition with the circuit court, specify reasons and locations, and request a protective order; if granted, the court will issue an order permitting access to ballots and materials, including electronic data.
• Timeline: the post-election audit must be completed within 30 days after certification of the election results, with findings reported to the Secretary of State who posts them publicly.
• Report contents: the audit report must describe problems or discrepancies, likely causes, and recommendations for corrective actions.
• Public reporting: the Secretary of State must share all audit findings with the Governor and Legislature within 30 days of completion; poll watchers may observe the audit, and appointment procedures mirror those for general elections.
• Administration and funding: the canvassing board is composed of the same members as in general elections with the same qualifications; counties are reimbursed for expenses under the specified code; the Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement the act.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month following passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections, Post election audit after general elections required, canvassing boards to conduct.