CO SB138

Authorizes each political party at primary elections to have at least one watcher at any time in any location where election activities occur, with county central committee chairpersons selecting watchers and submitting names by Wednesday before voting service and polling centers open.

Allows issue committees, ballot issue proponents and opponents to appoint one or more watchers, with registered agents serving as authorized representatives and submitting names by the Wednesday before voting begins.

Permits watchers to observe signature verification processes and establishes procedures for reporting potential discrepancies to county clerks, with appeals available to the appointing authority or secretary of state.

Requires watchers to take an oath affirming U.S. and Colorado citizenship, eligibility to vote in the county, party affiliation or ballot issue position, and commitment to maintain voter confidentiality and election integrity.

Grants county clerks and recorders access to criminal history records of watchers (as with election judges), allows the secretary of state to restrict certain duties to watchers with background checks, and permits watchers to observe voter registration system records.