HLS 12RS-1553 ORIGINAL
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE BILL NO. 1035
BY REPRESENTATIVE SEABAUGH
ELECTIONS/POLL WATCHERS: Provides relative to super watchers
AN ACT1
To amend and reenact R.S. 18:435(A)(2), relative to poll watchers; to provide relative to the2
designation of super watchers for certain elections; to provide for the qualifications,3
powers, and duties of such watchers; and to provide for related matters.4
Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:5
Section 1. R.S. 18:435(A)(2) is hereby amended and reenacted to read as follows:6
ยง435. Watchers; appointment and commission7
A. Right to have watchers.8
* * *9
(2) In addition to the watchers provided for in Paragraph (1) of this10
Subsection, each candidate and the state central committee of each recognized11
political party may designate one watcher as a "super watcher" who shall have the12
qualifications, powers, and duties of watchers provided for by R.S. 18:427 and who13
shall be admitted as a watcher in every precinct in the designated parish where the14
office the candidate, or slate of candidates, seeks is on the ballot in the primary and15
or general election. A candidate may designate one such super watcher for each16
parish where the office he seeks is on the ballot, and the state central committee of17
a recognized political party may designate one such super watcher for each parish18
in the state where its slate of candidates is on the ballot. The selection of the super19
watcher shall be made in the same manner as for watchers set forth in this Section.20
* * *21
Section 2. This Act shall become effective upon signature by the governor or, if not22
signed by the governor, upon expiration of the time for bills to become law without signature23 HLS 12RS-1553 ORIGINAL
HB NO. 1035
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CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
by the governor, as provided by Article III, Section 18 of the Constitution of Louisiana. If1
vetoed by the governor and subsequently approved by the legislature, this Act shall become2
effective on the day following such approval.3
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Seabaugh HB No. 1035
Abstract: Provides for the designation of super watchers in certain elections.
Present law (R.S. 18:427) provides for the qualifications, powers, and duties of watchers.
Provides that a qualified voter of the state of La. who is not entitled to assistance in voting
and is not a candidate in the election may serve as a watcher. Provides that a watcher shall
be admitted within all parts of the polling place during the election and the counting and
tabulation of votes, and shall call any infraction of the law to the attention of the
commissioners. Provides certain restrictions.
Present law (R.S. 18:435) provides that each candidate is entitled to have one watcher at
every precinct where the office he seeks is voted on in a primary or general election.
Requires the candidate or his authorized representative to file one list of watchers on a form
provided by the secretary of state or on a form which contains the same information as
required by the form provided by the secretary of state. Provides that in the case of a
presidential election, each slate of candidates for presidential elector is entitled to have one
watcher at every precinct. Authorizes the state central committee of each recognized
political party file the list of watchers for its slate of candidates for presidential elector.
Provides that the list of watchers for an independent or other party slate of candidates for
presidential elector shall be filed by any person so authorized by the presidential candidate
supported by the slate of electors.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that each candidate may additionally designate one watcher as a "super
watcher" who shall have the qualifications, powers, and duties of watchers provided for by
present law (R.S. 18:427) and who shall be admitted as a watcher in every precinct in the
designated parish where the office the candidate seeks is on the ballot in the primary and
general election. Provides that the selection of the super watcher shall be made in the same
manner as for watchers set forth in present law.
Proposed law authorizes the state central committee of a recognized political party to
designate a super watcher. Provides that the super watcher shall be admitted as a watcher
in every precinct in the designated parish where the office the slate of candidates seeks is on
the ballot in the primary or general election. Specifies that a candidate may designate one
such super watcher for each parish where the office he seeks is on the ballot, and the state
central committee of a recognized political party may designate one such super watcher for
each parish in the state where its slate of candidates is on the ballot. Otherwise retains
present law.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 18:435(A)(2))