SB 1428 Summary

• Allows early ballot tallying to begin on the date the secretary of state confirms election equipment passes logic and accuracy testing, rather than the previous requirement of no earlier than seven days before election day.

• Changes the deadline for nonpartisan candidates and political committees to request observation at counting centers from ten days to three days before the posted date of the logic and accuracy test.

• Modifies the timeline for the lottery draw selecting observation representatives to occur after submissions are received but before the first day tabulation begins, rather than prior to seven days before the election.

• Updates language regarding ballot processing to clarify that only authorized persons may handle ballots and ballot materials.

• Requires county recorders to maintain chain of custody records for all election equipment and ballots from early voting through completion of provisional ballot tabulation.