SSHB704 4144 3964
HOUSE SUMMARY OF SENATE AMENDMENTS
HB 704 2021 Regular Session Hodges
ELECTIONS: Provides for the appointment of additional watchers during elections
Synopsis of Senate Amendments
Remove proposed law that:
1. Prohibits a qualified voter who is entitled to assistance in voting from
being an early voting watcher.
2. Changes definitions relative to voting, voting machines, and voting
equipment.
3. Provides requirements of voting systems.
4. Provides requirements for contracts for voting systems.
5. Provides prohibitions on vendors of voting equipment or contractors
providing election related services.
Digest of Bill as Finally Passed by Senate
Present law provides that a candidate may designate watchers to serve at every precinct on
election day where the office he seeks is voted on in an election. Further provides for the
procedure of designating such watchers. Authorizes a candidate to appoint a super watcher
who shall be admitted to every precinct in the parish where the candidate is on the ballot.
Proposed law authorizes the state central committee of a political party recognized having
at least 25% of the registered voters in the state to:
(1)Designate one watcher at every precinct on election day where a candidate affiliated
with the political party is on the ballot.
(2)Designate super watchers in each parish in which a candidate affiliated with the party
is on the ballot. Further provides for the number of super watchers that may be
designated by a recognized political party based on the number of registered voters
in the parish.
(3)Designate an early voting watcher at each early voting location, as space permits, at
which a candidate affiliated with such political party is on the ballot. Further
provides for the qualifications, powers, and duties of such watcher. Also provides
for the procedure for nominating such watcher.
Effective January 1, 2022.
(Amends R.S. 435(A)(4) and (B)(2); Adds 18:435(A)(1)(c) and (5) and (B)(1)(c) and
1309(N))
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