MS HB85

Requires any optical mark reading (OMR) or direct recording electronic (DRE) voting equipment purchased or acquired after July 1, 2020 to allow voters to scan their actual voted ballot into the machine.

Establishes minimum requirements for DRE units including voter verification capabilities, paper ballot production, disability accessibility, and compliance with Federal Election Commission error standards.

Mandates that county circuit clerks and municipal clerks serve as custodians responsible for storage, maintenance, and repair of DRE units in their jurisdictions.

Requires at least 75% of available DRE units be used in primary and general elections, and at least one-third in other elections where DRE units are utilized.

Brings forward existing provisions governing DRE unit arrangement, ballot design, testing procedures, vote casting, ballot counting, and contingency procedures for inoperable equipment.