IL SB2571

Requires each election authority in Illinois to conduct an audit following every election, with notification to the State Board of Elections before election day specifying whether a random audit or risk-limiting audit will be conducted.

Mandates election authorities conduct a random audit of 5% of ballots cast by mail, with precincts, voting devices, and mail-in ballots selected on a random basis by the State Board of Elections after election day.

Defines random audit as manual tally of votes on permanent paper records compared to voting system results, conducted by hand or approved automatic tabulating device other than Direct Recording Electronic machines.

Establishes risk-limiting audit procedures using statistical methods that ensure detection of electoral outcome errors, beginning with hand tally of one or more audit units and continuing until statistical evidence confirms correct outcome or full manual tally is required.

Requires written report of audit results to canvassing board when discrepancies are found, with notice to political party chairs and qualified civic organizations who may observe the audit procedure.