Pursuant to F.S. 101.131, "Each political party and each candidate may have one watcher in each polling room or early voting area at any one time during the election. A political committee formed for the specific purpose of expressly advocating the passage or defeat of an issue on the ballot may also have a watcher."

Each party, each political committee, and each candidate requesting to have poll watchers shall designate, in writing, prior to noon of the second Tuesday preceding the election poll watchers for each polling room on election day and at least 14 days before early voting begins for early voting sites.

No candidate or sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, or other law enforcement officer may be designated as a poll watcher.

Poll Watchers shall:

• Upon their arrival at the precinct or early voting site, give their name and show photo identification to the Clerk for verification on the list of approved poll watchers.
   
• Be allowed within the polling room or early voting area to watch and observe the conduct of the voters and officials. The Clerk will direct poll watchers to a designated area away from the voting equipment and the 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 Clerk).  If they are not satisfied with the explanation or action taken, they may call the Elections Department at 305-499-VOTE (8363).
   
• Not interact with voters.
   
• 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.
   
• 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