SB 573 | Out-of-county poll watchers

Session: 2021-2022

ACLU-PA Position: Opposes

SB 573 would permit any registered voter in Pennsylvania to be appointed as a poll watcher in any precinct in the commonwealth.

Permitting Pennsylvania electors to serve as watchers in any precinct in the commonwealth invites people from outside county communities inside local polling locations. This change needlessly invites opportunities for confrontation, unfounded challenges to voters’ eligibility by out-of-county watchers, and, in some cases, an increased risk of voter intimidation.

Governor Wolf vetoed SB 573 on July 8, 2022.