1. (1) Observers must be permitted to witness activities associated with the recount.
2. (2) In addition to the admittance of two observers for each side of a recount as required by RCW 29A.64.041, a county canvassing board is encouraged to request additional observers from each of the two major political parties, as space allows. If provided, the additional party observers may be stationed to observe each counting board's process and must be considered official observers of the recount.

3. (3) Priority for viewing space shall be given in the following order:

   1. (a) Candidates or their designated representative, or the designated representative for the proponents and opponents of a ballot measure;
   2. (b) Counsel for a candidate or ballot measure campaign;
   3. (c) Designated party observers;
   4. (d) Media;
   5. (e) General public.

4. (4) Any questions or objections by observers must be directed toward the county canvassing board, supervisory personnel or another designated staff person present at the recount. Under no circumstance may an observer interrupt the recount process in objection to the decision to count or not count a ballot.

   The county auditor shall provide any additional guidelines that are established by the county canvassing board to each observer.

   The county canvassing board or its designated representative may ask any observer who is causing a disruption to the recount process to leave the area.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 29A.04.611. WSR 12-14-074, § 434-264-030, filed 7/2/12, effective 8/2/12; WSR 07-12-032, § 434-264-030, filed 5/30/07, effective 6/30/07.]