HB 503 Summary

• Write-in votes in non-municipal general elections are counted automatically if the number of write-in votes for an office equals or exceeds the margin of victory between the top two candidates.

• Write-in votes meeting the threshold are counted at the same time and manner as provisional ballots, with county canvassing boards determining write-in vote counts and the Secretary of State determining statewide totals.

• County canvassing boards must notify political party chairs, independent candidates, and announced write-in candidates of the time and place where write-in vote determinations are made and post results on courthouse doors and county websites.

• Qualified electors may request write-in vote counts for specific offices by submitting written requests with bonds or certified checks to cover counting costs by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday following an election.

• Any objections to write-in counting determinations must be filed with the canvassing board (county offices) or Secretary of State (federal/state offices) before the scheduled count date.