This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing a new article that outlines the procedures for election observers during elections. It establishes the eligibility and qualifications for observers, allowing political parties, candidates, and third-party organizations to have two observers at each stage of the election process. Registered voters in West Virginia can serve as observers, provided they present a letter of appointment from their respective organizations and identification if requested. The bill also mandates that election officials provide observers with badges and outlines the access and activities observers are permitted to engage in, such as observing the opening and closing of election offices, the transport of ballots, and various ballot-handling processes.

Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of State to propose legislative rules to standardize and implement the provisions of this article. Observers will have the right to take notes and use recording devices, while cameras will be installed in polling locations for public viewing of the election process. The legislation emphasizes the importance of transparency in elections and includes provisions to ensure that observers can fully observe the voting process without interference. Failure of election officials to comply with these requirements may result in sanctions, including suspension or termination.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 3-1D-1, 3-1D-2, 3-1D-3, 3-1D-4