The bill amends and reenacts certain provisions of Louisiana's election laws, specifically R.S. 18:435 and R.S. 18:1309, to enhance the appointment and regulation of poll watchers and early voting watchers. It establishes that a recognized political party with at least twenty-five percent of the state's registered voters can appoint political party super watchers in each parish where a candidate from that party is on the ballot. The number of super watchers allowed varies based on the registered voter population of the parish, ranging from one in smaller parishes to five in those with over two hundred thousand registered voters. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities and qualifications of these watchers, including their ability to observe early voting and report any infractions.
Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for early voting watchers, allowing the same recognized political parties to have watchers at early voting locations, with specific regulations on their conduct and the filing of their lists. The chairman of the parish executive committee is responsible for submitting the list of watchers, and a list from the primary election can be reused for the general election with proper notification. The bill aims to ensure transparency and oversight in the electoral process by clearly defining the roles and limitations of poll watchers and early voting watchers.
Statutes affected: SB261 Original: 18:435(A)(4)
SB261 Engrossed: 18:435(A)(4)
SB261 Enrolled: 18:435(A)(4)
SB261 Act 583: 18:435(A)(4)