Audit Laws
State Summary
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State. See, the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office Website.
Unless otherwise specified, references are to the Nebraska Secretary of State’s Office Website.
Voting Systems Used
Nebraska primarily uses hand marked paper ballots and optical scanners in polling places statewide, with ballot marking devices for accessibility. 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
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State. Between 2-2.5% of precincts are randomly selected for audit, and the audit includes one each of federal, statewide and local races. Statute does not specify what ballot types are included.
Transparency
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State. No further guidance is provided regarding whether the audit is open to the public when conducted.
Audit Counting Method
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State. According to a news release from the office of the Secretary of State, ballots are hand counted during the audit.
Type Of Audit Units
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but a random audit of precincts may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State.
Contests & Issues Audited
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State. When conducted, the audit includes one (1) each of federal, statewide and local races.
Addressing Discrepancies
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State. Any discrepancies are checked and noted in a report provided to the Secretary of State’s office.
For recount laws, see Citizens for Election Integrity Minnesota website.
Timeline
There is no statutory guidance on this matter.
Binding On Official Outcomes
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State. There is no statutory mechanism for the audit to affect totals or outcomes.
Oversight & Conduct
The Secretary of State oversees the audit.
Ballot Protection
The election commissioners or county clerk shall develop a plan to ensure accountability and security of records, ballots, and equipment. Per the Secretary of State’s website, all paper ballots are secured after each election by the county election official, and as mandated in state law, retained for twenty-two (22) months. For more information see, Neb. Rev. Stat. § 32-1010 to § 32-1013.
Additional Targeted Samples
A post-election audit is not required by a statute, but may be conducted at the discretion of the Secretary of State.