HB177 Summary

• Write-in votes in non-municipal general elections are counted automatically when the number of write-in votes for a specific office is greater than or equal to the margin of victory between the two leading candidates.

• County canvassing boards must determine write-in vote totals and notify the Secretary of State by 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday after the election for federal and state offices.

• Write-in votes meeting the threshold are counted at the same time and manner as provisional ballots, with ballots securely kept by the county sheriff.

• Qualified electors may request write-in vote counts for specific offices by submitting a written request and bond or certified check to cover counting costs by 5:00 p.m. on the first Friday following the election.

• The Secretary of State may adopt administrative rules to implement the bill, which becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.