SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 34

(By Senators Azinger, Barrett, Caputo, Deeds, Hunt, Maynard, Stuart, Taylor, Weld, Woelfel, and Trump)

[Originating in the Committee on the Judiciary; reported February 28, 2024]

Requesting the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary study the feasibility of ballot identification and verification measures in statewide elections held in West Virginia.

Whereas, members of the Legislature and their constituents have expressed interest in the concept of each voter being able to securely view an image of his or her ballot or a summary report of each vote cast by him or her in a statewide election in West Virginia as a means of increasing voter confidence, election integrity, and transparency;

Whereas, in exploring this concept, the Legislature would like to receive additional information from the Office of the Secretary of State, county clerks, and others regarding technological feasibility, financial cost, election security concerns, and practical feasibility for counties and the Office of the Secretary of State under applicable election process deadlines, and any other information relevant to the potential implementation of this concept;

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary is hereby requested to study the feasibility of ballot identification and verification in statewide elections held in West Virginia; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2025, on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report, and to draft necessary legislation be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Standing Committee on the Judiciary.