Bill > HB1802

This bill modifies Missouri election laws to expand the rights of election challengers and watchers, primarily for political parties named on the ballot. The bill allows party chairs to designate challengers and watchers for polling places, absentee voting locations, and ballot counting sites in first-class and charter counties. Challengers and watchers must be registered voters in the jurisdiction and meet the same qualifications as election judges. Party chairs must submit official designation forms to the local election authority at least four business days before the election, and the authority will verify the eligibility of these individuals. Challengers can be present while ballots are being cast on election day and in absentee voting periods, and they can challenge voter identification or report potential election law violations to election judges. Watchers can observe vote counting, remain present during the closing and certification process, and be present at absentee voting and ballot counting locations. The bill restricts watchers from reporting who has or has not voted and limits their ability to be substituted on election day. These changes aim to increase transparency and party oversight in the election process.

Government Affairs

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1802&year=2026&code=R