Audit Laws
State Summary
Under AR Code § 7-4-121, the State Board of Election Commissioners shall audit the results of each general election. To complete the audit, the State Board is to select by lot the counties, polling sites, early voting locations, and vote centers to be audited, selecting enough of each “to obtain a meaningful sample.” The counties to be audited are selected no less than sixty (60) days after the election, and the audit has no legal effect on the outcome of the election.
The initial audit under the audit law is to be conducted after the 2020 general election as a pilot program. For each election system utilizing a ballot marking device and tabulator in operation for the 2020 election, the State Board of Election Commissioners shall: (A) Conduct an audit of at least 1 county with a population of more than 100,000 people; (B) Conduct an audit of at least 4 counties with a population of less than 100,000 people; and (C) Conduct the audits in a manner that effectuates at least 1 audit from a county in each of the congressional districts of this state.
Unless otherwise noted, AR Code § 7-4-121 is used to provide audit information.
Voting Systems Used
Arkansas uses ballot marking devices and optical scanners in polling places for all voters. For the most up to date information please visit Verified Voting’s Verifier.
For an explanation on the types of voting equipment used, click here.
Audit Comprehensiveness
Statute specifies that early voting centers are included, but does not provide guidance on whether absentee or provisional ballots are included.
Transparency
The audit report is to be made public. Statute does not provide guidance on whether the public is allowed to observe audit and/or whether they can check ballot marks.
Audit Counting Method
Counting is conducted manually.
Type Of Audit Units
The audit units are precincts. A sufficient number of early voting locations, polling sites, and vote centers may be used to obtain a meaningful sample.
Contests & Issues Audited
No statutory guidance on issues and contests eligible.
Addressing Discrepancies
Arkansas statute does not provide guidance on handling discrepancies.
For recount laws, see Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota website.
Timeline
Counties to be audited are selected no less than sixty (60) days following the date of the general election.
Binding On Official Outcomes
The post-election audit has no legal effect on the outcome of any election subject to the audit.
Oversight & Conduct
The State Board of Election Commissioners shall develop a comprehensive plan to audit the state’s election equipment based on the experience gained through this pilot program.
Ballot Protection
For twenty (20) days, the county board of election commissioners shall retain the custody of ballots in an appropriately marked, sealed container, after which time they shall be stored in a secure location in the county courthouse or other county storage facility. For more information see, AR Code § 7-5-702.
Additional Targeted Samples
Arkansas statute does not provide for targeted samples.