HELENA, Mont. —The Montana State Board of Canvassers met on Wednesday in the first step for the state’s Post-Election Audit process. Representatives from the Attorney General’s Office, Office of Public Instruction, and State Auditor’s Office convened at the Supreme Court Chambers to randomly select the races and precincts to be audited for the post-election audit. 

In 2023, Montana’s Legislature passed laws to expand the Post-election Audit Act, increasing the number of races and ballot issues included in the post-election audit (SB 197) and removing the exemption for those counties that tabulate results by hand counting (SB 254). These new procedures were first conducted following June’s Primary Election.

“Paper ballots and post-election audits are key strengths of Montana’s election process, ensuring transparency, security, and voter confidence,” said Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen. “Wednesday’s random-sample selection is another component to these quality-control measures implemented in Montana. Thank you to the Board of Canvassers for their work in this important process, and thank you in advance to the county officials who will be conducting their post-election audits in the coming days.”

The Secretary of State’s website provides the list of random-sample audit selections from Wednesday’s meeting. Counties will conduct their post-election audits prior to completing the county canvass procedure by November 19. The State Canvass is currently scheduled for November 26.

Montanans can learn more about the state’s Post-Election Audit Act in the Montana Election Education Video Series.