House Status:
Senate Status:
Senate Status:
Minutes for HB2333 - Committee on Ethics, Elections and Local Government
Short Title
Audits of election results; voting machine requirements; timing of the canvass.
Minutes Content for Wed, Jan 24, 2018
Chairperson Bowers opened the hearing on HB2333. Chairperson Bowers stated this bill had been sent out of Committee last year but was referred back to the Committee at the end of session to keep the bill alive. Mike Heim, staff revisor, provided a briefing on the bill and answered questions from the Committee.
Representative Jarrod Ousley provided neutral testimony for HB2333 stating he supports the underlying bill but has objections to the way it came out of this Committee last year. Representative Ousley indicated he doesn't think you can necessarily say one race is more important than the other, and if an audit is conducted it should be as thorough as possible. (Attachment 1)
After questions from the Committee were addressed, the hearing continued.
Davis Hammet provided neutral testimony for HB2333 stating right now there is very low confidence in the election integrity in Kansas. Mr. Hammet indicated being able to have a random audit would go a long way in increasing people's confidence. Mr. Hammet responded to questions from Committee members. (Attachment 2)
Jim Howell testified in support of HB2333 stating for the last two years Sedgwick County has had in their legislative platform support for an election post audit. Mr. Howell indicated if there are contested races, having a random audit will put confidence back in the election. Mr. Howell addressed questions from the Committee. (Attachment 3)
Cille King testified in support of HB2333 suggesting that other races be considered. Ms. King indicated as it's written right now, there would only be audits for the even-numbered years. Ms. King stated by putting in local elections, odd-numbered years would also get at least one audit. (Attachment 4)
Bryan Caskey testified in support of HB2333. Mr. Caskey addressed questions and clarified issues that were brought up during the previous conferees' testimony. Mr. Caskey stated their office is strongly in favor of this bill. Mr. Caskey indicated this will increase voter confidence in the integrity of the system. (Attachment 5)
After questions from the Committee members were addressed, Chairperson Bowers closed the hearing on HB2333.
