A bill that would give the board of elections power to perform “post-election risk-limiting” audits aimed at improving the accuracy of election results passed the House. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Edith Ajello D-Providence, will allow the Board to create a board in 2018 that would conduct audits of statewide primaries, general, and special elections. In 2020 the board would also analyze the results of the presidential race. It passed unanimously, and awaits action by the Senate.
From WPRI: This is a bill that caught fire after news reports in recent months warning of potential Russian efforts to try and tamper with voting machines during last year’s election. The bill, strongly backed by Common Cause Rhode Island, requires the R.I. Board of Elections to develop a program for auditing the initial results on voting machines to ensure they are accurate. Supporters cited a North Kingstown machine that gave an incorrect count last fall. Governor Raimondo is expected to sign the bill into law.
Source: R.I. House OKs bill to empowering Board of Elections to conduct vote-tally audits.