PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a bill that would change the state’s election law to allow partisan poll watchers from other counties. Supporters say it increases transparency, but opponents say it would lead to voter intimidation.
The legislation would let those poll watchers travel across county lines, and increase the number of poll watchers allowed from each party in each precinct from two to three.
“Why is this bill necessary? Increasing the number of eligible poll watchers for all political parties and candidates adds another layer of observation and transparency to ensure that election laws are strictly adhered to,” said bill sponsor and gubernatorial candidate Sen. Doug Mastriano, R-Franklin.
“Allowing out-of-county poll watchers ensures that all parties will have an equal poll watcher representation at the polling places throughout our state.”
Any elections official who blocks, impedes, or otherwise intimidates a valid poll watcher could face second-degree misdemeanor charges.
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“This legislation is a solution in search of a problem,” said Sen. Jay Costa, D-Allegheny.
“This is going to be something that is going to increase and enhance the opportunity for folks to intimidate voters with this process.”
The bill would require poll watchers who are observing the precanvassing of mail-in and absentee ballots have a clear line of sight within six feet.
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Costa said the legislature would be better served addressing concerns from county elections boards, like allowing more time for precanvassing.
The bill heads to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Gov. Tom Wolf’s office said he is strongly opposed.
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