HB0053

Amends Wyoming election law to expand the authority and protections for poll watchers to observe voting and counting procedures at polling locations.

• Defines a poll watcher as a person certified by a county political party chairman to observe voter turnout, registration, and vote counting, and clarifies that poll watchers are not election officials. (W.S. 22-1-102(a)(xxiv))
• Allows county chairmen of political parties with candidates on the ballot to certify volunteer poll watchers, and permits counties without candidates to also certify poll watchers. Limits simultaneous watchers to one per party per polling place unless the chief judge determines additional watchers can be accommodated without disruption. (W.S. 22-15-109(a))
• Requires poll watchers to be registered electors from the county and to serve only at designated polling places. Authorizes poll watchers to observe voter turnout, registration, and all election aspects, and permits them to take written notes but prohibits voter challenges, electioneering, or disruption. (W.S. 22-15-109(b))
• Grants poll watchers the ability to be positioned close enough to hear and see voters during check-in and to observe polling place setup before opening and shutdown after closing, including during absentee voting periods. (W.S. 22-15-109(b))
• Authorizes the chief judge to remove a poll watcher for disturbing the polling place or violating the Election Code, and allows county chairmen to designate replacement certified poll watchers. (W.S. 22-15-109(c))
• Requires poll watcher certifications to be delivered electronically to the county clerk by close of business the day before early voting begins and by close of business the day before election day opening. Permits amendments until polls open and requires certifications to identify training completed. (W.S. 22-15-109(d))
• Requires counties to provide chairs for poll watchers but specifies that poll watchers are not restricted to remaining in the chair. (W.S. 22-15-109(e))
• Authorizes county clerks to require poll watchers to wear identification badges showing name, party, polling location, and poll watcher designation. Allows badges to be picked up at the polling place on election day or at other locations beforehand.