SPONSOR: Matthiesen
Currently, election challengers can be physically present in polling locations while ballots are cast on election day.
This bill allows election challengers in first class counties and charter counties to be physically present while ballots are cast during the in-person absentee voting period.
The bill requires the chair of each county committee of each political party named on the ballot to designate election watchers four days before a watcher can enter a polling or counting location. Information is to be presented to and signed off by the local election authority. If an election authority determines that a watcher does not meet the statutory qualifications, the chair can designate a replacement watcher before 5:00 p.m. on the Monday before the election.
This bill allows election watchers in first class counties and charter counties to be physically present at in-person absentee voting locations while ballots are being counted or prepared for counting.
This bill is similar to HCS HB 638 (2025).
Statutes affected: