TX SB827

Expands mandatory post-election hand count audits to include at least 1% of election day polling locations, 1% of early voting locations, and 1% of precincts with mail-in ballots (or minimum of 3 each), with counts beginning within 72 hours of polls closing and completed by the 21st day after election day

Requires all Texas counties to participate in statewide risk-limiting audits for selected statewide races or measures, regardless of the ballot counting method used, with start and completion dates set by the Secretary of State

Designates the early voting ballot board members to perform manual counts under the direction of the general custodian of election records, with additional members appointable if needed

Mandates that audit results be posted on county websites alongside election returns within 3 days of count completion, in addition to delivering written reports to the Secretary of State

Aligns watcher eligibility and appointment requirements for audit counts with existing Chapter 33 watcher standards, replacing the previous less formal representative system