HB 53

The bill draft outlines rules for poll watchers during elections. County chairman of each political party with a candidate on the ballot shall certify volunteer poll watchers before elections. Poll watchers must belong to the political party they represent, reside in the county, and follow specific guidelines, including observing voter turnout and election processes without interfering or engaging in electioneering. Poll watchers may observe setup and shutdown procedures at polling places and must be allowed to watch all activities without obstruction. Poll watchers shall be provided chairs but shall not be restricted to a chair. The chief judge can remove poll watchers for violations, and replacements can be designated by the county party chairman. Poll watchers may be required to wear identification badges provided by the county clerk. The secretary of state is authorized to establish rules to ensure poll watchers can fulfill their duties.