The bill amends and reenacts specific provisions of Louisiana's election laws, particularly regarding the appointment and regulation of poll watchers. It introduces the concept of "political party super watchers," allowing recognized political parties with at least 25% of registered voters in the state to designate a certain number of these watchers based on the population of the parish. For instance, parishes with fewer than 50,000 registered voters can have one super watcher, while those with over 200,000 can have up to five. The bill also stipulates that these super watchers must have the same qualifications and powers as regular watchers and can be present in every precinct where a candidate from their party is on the ballot.

Additionally, the bill establishes provisions for early voting watchers, allowing recognized political parties to have watchers at early voting locations, with similar population-based designations. It requires that lists of both poll watchers and early voting watchers be filed with the appropriate authorities by specific deadlines, and it allows for the reuse of these lists for general elections under certain conditions. The chairman of the parish executive committee is responsible for filing these lists, ensuring that the process is organized and regulated according to the new guidelines set forth in the bill.

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)