SENATE BILL 1598 Summary

• Allows federal candidates for president, U.S. Senate, and U.S. House of Representatives to designate observers at counting centers during the general election, with a lottery determining which candidate from each political party may send an observer if multiple candidates designate observers.

• Establishes conduct standards for all observers (party representatives, public, and candidate observers) at polling places and counting centers, including prohibitions on approaching equipment closer than necessary, obstructing elections, or interacting with voters.

• Requires candidates appearing on the ballot to not serve as party challengers or observers, and mandates that all challengers and observers be registered voters in Arizona.

• Clarifies that party representatives and observers may bring personal video cameras to record hand counts and counting center proceedings, with restrictions only on recordings that disrupt the process.

• Updates terminology throughout election statutes, changing "chairman" to "chairperson" and making technical corrections to procedural language regarding ballot handling, challenges, and election administration.