Bill > HB2953

This bill modifies several provisions of the Election Code related to poll watchers, who are individuals appointed to observe election proceedings. Firstly, it updates the requirements for a poll watcher's certificate of appointment, removing the need for an affidavit stating the watcher will not possess or will disable recording devices, and clarifying how a watcher represents a specific side of a measure if more than one is on the ballot. Secondly, it broadens the definition of who is ineligible to serve as a watcher, expanding it from only those convicted of an election offense to include anyone convicted of a felony or an offense directly related to election conduct. Thirdly, it amends the rules for a watcher's hours of service at a polling place, removing a previous restriction that a watcher could not leave for more than five continuous hours if using a prohibited wireless communication device, and also removes a provision that a watcher could not be present when a voter was assisted by a person of their choice, instead allowing watchers to observe such assistance and examine the ballot beforehand. Finally, it adds an exception to the prohibition of using wireless communication devices at polling places, allowing poll watchers to use them to contact election authorities, the secretary of state, the attorney general, or law enforcement to report irregularities or violations.