Im not sure what is the point you are trying to make. I agree with what you said that "may" doesnt mean require. And "shall be entitled" doesnt mean they have to take advantage of that entitlement.
My earlier statements simply laid out the process for accept the mail in ballots and how a lot happens before the ballots are scanned/counted.
In fact, its before the scanning/counting that things need to be watched.
Voter fills application to get a mail in ballot and mails it in.
Application is reviewed to make sure voter is eligible and signature on the application is matched with signature on file.
If matched voter is mailed ballot.
Voter fills out and signs ballot.
Voter puts ballot inside envelope and signs the oath on the outside of the envelope.
Voter mails or drops of ballot inside the envelope.
Signature on the oath on the outside of the envelope is match with signature on file.
Signature on ballot is matched with signature on envelope and one on file.
If all this matches then the ballot is set aside to later be scanned/counted.
So to me most of the security is before the actual scanning. That is not to say that there is no need to watch the scanning. And they could have watched that. But, there is no law requiring that they be there for that portion, as you pointed out.
