HB1687

House Bill 1687 amends Arkansas election law concerning the use and hand-counting of paper ballots. The bill mandates that all paper ballots must be compatible with electronic tabulation devices and requires that ballots be run through an electronic tabulator before a manual hand count is performed in general and preferential primary elections. It outlines strict security procedures for the transport and storage of ballots and mandates the use of watermarks on hand-counted ballots. Counties opting for manual hand counts are responsible for associated labor and equipment costs, though they remain eligible for state reimbursement equivalent to machine tabulation costs. The bill establishes procedures for public observation of the count, requires the presence of at least four poll workers, and sets a 24-hour deadline before certification for the completion of hand counts. Finally, it includes an emergency clause to make the provisions effective immediately upon the Governor's approval to address concerns regarding election integrity and compliance with accessibility laws.