On election day, each political committee, party and candidate may designate one poll watcher in each polling room at any time. No person shall be permitted to act as a Poll Watcher unless his or her name has been submitted to the Elections Department prior to noon of the second Tuesday preceding the election, so it can appear on the poll watcher list approved by the Supervisor of Elections.

Pursuant to State laws, poll workers are no longer required to call the names of voters out loud.

Poll Watchers shall:

• Upon their arrival at the precinct, give their name to the Precinct Clerk for verification on the list of approved Poll Watchers and show photo identification.
   
• Be allowed within the polling room to watch and observe the conduct of the voters and the officials. The Precinct Clerk will direct poll watcher to a designated area away from the voting equipment and and ballot table. (They may not walk around the voting area.)
   
• Furnish their own materials and necessities. (This may include chair and cellular phone if necessary.)  (They may not use the precinct phone at any time.)
   
• Be allowed to inspect the precinct registers only when the officials are not processing electors.
   
• Inform the Clerk if they wish to challenge a voter's right to vote. The Clerk will follow the procedures for a challenged voter.
   
• Inform the Clerk if they see or hear anything that does not comply with election laws. (They may only speak to the Precinct Clerk).  If they are not satisfied with the explanation or action taken, they may call the Elections Department.
   
• Not volunteer to help electors who need assistance to vote. A Poll Watcher may only provide assistance to a voter if specifically requested by that voter (See Procedures for Providing Assistance.)
   
• Not take radios, television sets or newspapers to the polls.
   
• Not wear or display any political party, candidate's name or other pertinent campaign materials.
   
• Not obstruct the orderly conduct of any election.
   
• Not come closer to the officials' table or the voting booths than is reasonably necessary to perform their functions.

Any member of the public (including candidates, political and government officials and representatives of the media) may witness the opening and closing procedures, but may not speak to, or interfere with the Election Board in any way.

Poll Watcher Guidelines / Designation Information 

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