The bill would expand federal requirements to preserve election records, papers, and equipment, including electronic records. It would allow election equipment to be reused in elections held within 22 months of a federal election if related electronic records and data are kept. It would direct federal agencies to issue preservation guidance and observation protocols. The bill would also let the Attorney General or a federal election candidate ask a court to enforce the preservation rules, and would add ballot processing, scanning, tabulation, canvassing, and certification to activities covered by an existing criminal provision. The bill was introduced and referred to House committees; it has not been enacted.
Election officials would have expanded duties to preserve election materials and equipment. The paper record of a cast ballot would remain the official record. The bill would allow the Attorney General and party representatives to observe preservation, security, and transfer procedures under protocols in federal guidance. Candidates in covered federal elections could seek a court order to enforce the rules.
The bill does not specify costs or provide funding amounts. It would require federal guidance to be issued within one year of enactment.
The bill text does not state a proponents’ view. No publicly available information.
The bill text does not state an opponents’ view. No publicly available information.