MONTGOMERY — Members of the Alabama Senate passed legislation on Tuesday establishing a post-election audit for county and statewide general elections.
The bill by State Rep. Joe Lovvorn (R-Auburn) would require the probate judge of each county to conduct a post-election audit using existing staff after every county and statewide general election to determine the accuracy of the originally reported election results.
Under the bill, the probate judge of each county shall order a post-election audit after every countywide and statewide general election of all ballots in one precinct in a countywide or statewide race.
The bill was carried by State Sen. Jay Hovey (R-Auburn) in the Senate. He said the bill adds an "additional layer" of election security.
Republicans limited debate by cloture on the bill and every other bill passed by the Senate on Tuesday to limit Democrats' options to extend debate on the bill.
"A post-election audit makes sure all ballots cast are accounted for," Hovey said.
Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said, "Today, the Alabama Legislature passed HB 95, a bill that requires audits after state and county elections. I have always supported election transparency."
"I voted for post-election audits when I was a member of the Alabama House of Representatives. I am glad to see the Alabama Legislature take this step to ensure voter confidence in our elections and look forward to this legislation being signed into Alabama law," he added.
The bill now heads to Governor Kay Ivey for her consideration.
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