Plain English Breakdown
The bill has passed both chambers but was later 'Ordered to inactive file,' which means its final enactment is uncertain based on this source.
AB-1214: Faster Election Results and More Frequent Updates
This law requires local election officials to finish counting ballots sooner, report results faster, post updates on their websites more often, and announce update schedules by election day.
What This Bill Does
- Requires elections officials to count all ballots and prepare the certified statement of results within 21 days of the election instead of 30 days.
- Mandates that at least 25% of ballots be counted by the 7th calendar day after the election.
- Mandates that at least 67% of ballots be counted by the 14th calendar day after the election.
- Requires officials to send a complete copy of all election results to the Secretary of State within 22 days instead of 31 days.
- Increases the requirement for posting updated results online from once per week to at least twice per week.
- Asks officials to list specific dates for result updates by no later than the close of polls on election day.
Who It Names or Affects
- Local elections officials
- The Secretary of State
Terms To Know
- Official canvass
- The process where election workers count all ballots received in an election.
- Certified statement
- An official document showing the results of the election that must be submitted to local governing bodies and sent to the Secretary of State.
Limits and Unknowns
- Reimbursement for costs depends on whether the Commission on State Mandates determines that this bill creates state-mandated costs.
- The official status shows the bill was ordered to an inactive file, so it may not take effect.