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 role of poll watchers and early voting watchers. It establishes that recognized political parties with at least 25% of registered voters in the state can appoint "political party super watchers" in parishes where their candidates are on the ballot. The number of super watchers allowed is determined by the size of the parish's registered voter population, ranging from one in smaller parishes to five in those with over 200,000 registered voters. Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities and qualifications of these watchers, including their ability to monitor polling places and early voting locations.

Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for early voting watchers, allowing recognized political parties to have one watcher and one alternate at each early voting location, as space permits. It mandates that lists of both poll watchers and early voting watchers be submitted by the respective party's parish executive committee or state central committee, with specific deadlines for notification if the same list is to be used for both primary and general elections. The bill also emphasizes the regulatory authority of election officials over the number of watchers present at polling and early voting sites.

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)