Poll watchers concerned by restrictions

COLFAX — A heightened awareness of the election process has some poll watchers questioning why their abilities were hampered in Whitman County.

Poll watchers for both Democrats and Republicans noted they were put in an exterior room removed from the ballot opening, signature verification and other processes.

“The workers and ballots were in an unobservable side room,” Democrat poll watcher Casey Shiprek said.

“It was difficult to see what was going on,” Republican poll watcher Sandra Brabb said.

Under the Washington Administrative Code 43-250-110, poll watchers are allowed to be present for in...