HB198 Summary

• Write-in votes in non-municipal general elections are counted only if the number of write-in votes for a specific office equals or exceeds the margin of votes between the top two candidates for that office.

• The canvassing board must determine the number of write-in votes cast for each office and report federal and state office write-in totals to the Secretary of State by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday following the election.

• The Secretary of State notifies judges of probate by noon Friday following the election if statewide write-in votes for any federal or state office meet the counting threshold, and those write-in votes are counted at the same time as provisional ballots.

• Qualified electors may request write-in vote counts for specific county or federal/state offices by submitting written requests to the judge of probate or Secretary of State by 5:00 p.m. Friday following the election, accompanied by a bond or certified check to cover counting costs.

• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.