TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE BALLOTS; AND TO ALLOW THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS TO PROMULGATE RULES REGARDING THE DUPLICATION OF DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE BALLOTS.

New safeguards for Arkansas voters’ damaged ballots

Arkansas election officials must make a true copy of any damaged or defective ballot that voting machines cannot count. Polling-site ballots must go securely to the county election board, rather than being added by hand to election-night precinct totals. Officials must copy the voter’s choices onto the same ballot style, with another election official and any designated poll watchers present. They must stamp the ballots “original” and “duplicate” and give both the same unique serial number. The copy replaces the original and is counted like other ballots; officials must securely store the original. Officials must record how many damaged ballots need copying, with authorized poll watchers present, and report that count to the county election board. At central counting sites, copying no longer has to occur at the same time and place as counting undamaged ballots. The State Board of Election Commissioners must set rules for copying damaged or defective ballots.