1. (1) The purpose of the signature verification audit is to ensure that election workers perform signature verification by properly passing or challenging ballots before tabulation.

2. (2)(a) The Office of the Lieutenant Governor shall establish a signature audit policy that, in addition to the requirements of Section R623-12-3, shall:

   1. (i) be performed on 1% of ballot envelopes before any passed ballots in that group are separated from that ballot's envelope;

      1. (ii) be performed on 1% of every challenged ballot before notification is sent to voters; and
      2. (iii) require election officials to create a written policy for determining the 1% selection of ballot envelopes the election official will audit.

   2. (b) The written policy established in Subsection (2)(a)(iii) shall:

      1. (i) state that it is ideal to select random samples that check signatures in multiple batches and involve multiple election workers;
      2. (ii) allow for variation in procedures based on county-specific processes and equipment; and
      3. (iii) be provided to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and made available to anyone who requests a copy.

   3. (c)(i) Each auditor shall compare the signature on the envelope to the signature on file in VISTA to determine if the correct decision was made to count or challenge the ballot.

      1. (ii) If the auditor finds a discrepancy, that auditor should note the issue and audit a larger sample of the individual who performed the initial work that is being audited.
   4. (d) require an audit summary report to be signed by the County Clerk, presented to the board of canvass, and then transmitted with other canvass materials to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, as required by Subsection 20A-3a-402.5(4).

KEY: Elections, Election Audits, Post Election Audits, Ballot Envelope Signature Audit, Candidate Nomination Petition Signature Audits

Date of Last Change: October 23, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 20A-3a-106; 20A-1-108