Murphy's Federal Election Audit Act Passes Committee on House Administration

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D.'s Federal Election Audit Act passed favorably through the Committee on House Administration. This legislation provides federal funds to states that wish to conduct comprehensive post-election audits in an effort to increase transparency and improve election integrity.

"I'm grateful my commonsense legislation to empower states and ensure the security of their elections passed through the Committee on House Administration favorably," said Congressman Greg Murphy, M.D. "American voters are entitled to vote with full confidence that their voices will be heard. Election procedures are complex, and we must devote resources to ensure they are being carried out efficiently and fairly. Good stewardship of our elections is not easy, and states need resources to carry out the job."

Background

The Federal Election Audit Act, included in the American Confidence in Elections Act, permits states to use requirements payments, or grant funds, to conduct audits of the accuracy and effectiveness of voting systems and election procedures.

Important Characteristics:

• Audits are to be conducted independently – state and local officials or contractors of such offices may not conduct an audit.
• Audits are comprehensive – the bill prescribes what an examination would cover including voter registration, voter check-in, voting, tabulation, canvassing and post-election procedures.
• Audits are timely – states’ audits should be conducted before the expiration of when one can challenge the results of an election under state law.

Watch Rep. Murphy's remarks on the bill in committee here.

Read Rep. Murphy's Op-Ed on this legislation in The Hill here.