POLLWATCHERS
Who
can be a pollwatcher?
Anyone
can serve as a pollwatcher. You just need to have a Pollwatcher Credential that
is signed by either the Chair of the Democratic Party of DuPage County or by a
Democratic candidate.
You
do not have to commit to being in the polling place the entire day. It is okay
to leave and come back later. Although it is ideal to have a Democratic pollwatcher
in the polling place all day, if you have to work, you can go to the polls
before they open, make sure everything is working as it should, go to work,
then come back after work to watch the judges close the polls and tabulate the
results. Because more than one precinct votes in each polling place, some
pollwatchers split up the day with one or two others.
What
does a pollwatcher do?
- Serves as the eyes and ears for our party or a candidate in the polling place.
- Checks that the polls open on time and everything is working properly and judges have all needed supplies.
- Checks that election judges are present and performing their duties.
- Observes processes to make sure everything is being done properly (see Poll Watcher Checklist and Poll Watcher Handbook).
- Reports any problems or improper procedures to township chair or campaign.
- Sometimes checks off “plus” voters on a list as they sign in to vote in order to get out the vote.
- Observes closing of polls and watches judges following procedures to close out machines and handle ballots.
A
Pollwatcher May…
- Enter the polling place before it opens. Must have pollwatcher credentials which are given to a judge. The judges will keep the credentials, and you will sign in and out each time you enter and leave the polling place.
- Be anywhere in the polling place, as long as you are not interfering with the judges’ ability to perform their duties or interfering with the voters’ privacy as they mark their ballot.
- Watch voters sign in.
- Ask questions of the election judges. Don’t overdo this and try not to distract them from their duty.
- Leave the polling place (sign out) and return later.
- Remain in the polling place after the polls close to observe the closing procedures. You must be in the polling place before the polls close in order to watch the closing procedures. You will not be allowed in after the polls close.
- Ask for a tape of the results. The election judges do not have to run a tape for you, but will usually do this if there are not too many other requests.
A
Pollwatcher May Not…
- Enter a polling place without poll watcher credentials.
- Wear any partisan items such as campaign shirts or buttons.
- Interfere with the judges’ activities.
- Touch anything that is not yours!
- Say anything partisan or that might influence how a voter will vote.
- Observe a voter while they vote or talk to a voter while they are voting.
- Use a cell phone in the polling place—go outside to make calls.
The election judges are in charge—do
not argue with them or counteract their decisions. If you disagree with
something judges are doing, you may question them and give your opinion, but if
they persist, report what is going on to your township chair or campaign. You
are an observer!
(Election judges have the
right to decide there are too many pollwatchers in a polling location and ask
some to leave. It is very unlikely that this will happen.)
Contact your township chair or
the campaign if you think there is a problem, or if you have any questions
about what is happening. You are not expected to be an expert in the procedures
or rules—it’s ok to ask!
