12-18-9. Observation of voting and counting--Poll watchers' positions and accommodations.

Any person, except a candidate who is on the ballot being voted on at that polling place, may be present at any polling place for the purpose of observing the voting process. Any person may be present to observe the counting process. A candidate who is on the ballot being voted on at a polling place may only be present to cast the candidate's vote during voting hours. A number of poll watchers shall be permitted for each candidate at a primary election or political party and independent candidate at a general election pursuant to § 12-18-8.1. Each polling place shall be arranged in a manner that permits each poll watcher to be positioned in a location where the poll watcher can plainly see and hear what is done within the polling place.

Source: SL 1897, ch 60, § 32; RPolC 1903, § 1921; RC 1919, § 7271; SDC 1939, § 16.1207; SL 1972, ch 85, § 3; SL 1974, ch 118, § 113; SL 1975, ch 124, § 1; SL 2004, ch 108, § 4.