OH SB256

Requires boards of elections to conduct risk-limiting audits of election results after declaring official results, beginning not earlier than 6 business days and completing within 21 days after declaration.

Audits must cover at least 3 contested races, questions, or issues as directed by the secretary of state, or all contested items if fewer than 3 appear on the ballot.

Uses statistical methods and bipartisan teams of election officials to physically examine and hand count randomly sampled ballots until results provide sufficiently strong evidence that a full hand count would confirm the declared election result.

Permits observers appointed under existing law, news media representatives, and members of the general public to observe the audit process and inspect relevant public records.

Requires boards to certify audit results to the secretary of state within 5 days of completion and amend official election results if the audit indicates inaccuracies; applies to elections beginning with the November 3, 2020 general election.