NC H697

Establishes explicit rights for election observers by amending G.S. 163-45(c) to codify their permitted activities.

Election observers may observe from when the judge enters the polling location until all ballot containers are sealed and the voting enclosure is secured for the day.

Observers have the right to hear voter names and addresses at check-in and curbside voting, and may request election officials to repeat information if not clearly heard.

Observers may freely traverse between curbside voting areas and the voting enclosure, and must be able to hear instructions between election assistants and curbside voters, but must remain at least five feet away from voters' vehicles.

Election observers may only be expelled by a chief judge for cause, and expulsion requires a written notice signed by the chief judge and at least one other judge assigned to that precinct.