What’s a poll watcher? How to sign up to be one?

Poll watchers, or election observers are individuals who monitor different steps in the election process. Observers can be individuals appointed by political parties, candidates, or from a nonpartisan group. 

What does a poll watcher do? 

Poll observers are volunteers assigned at polling booths to make sure that the election process runs smoothly. 

Watchers can either sign up for a full day (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), or a half-day. The morning shifts end around 2 p.m. and evening shifts end when the results are announced.

In addition, poll watchers talk to voters by addressing questions and communicate with election officials if any issues arise.  

How can I sign up to be a poll watcher? 

Partisan poll watchers and challengers are important for maintaining transparency in elections across the country. Typically appointed by political parties, their main objective is to ensure that their party has a fair opportunity in the election. Poll watchers observe the election process closely and may track voter turnout on behalf of their party. While they cannot interfere with the voting process, they are allowed to report any issues they observe to election officials and party representatives, according to The National Conference of State Legislators. 

Since poll watchers are assigned by different groups, you will have to sign up through the groups. To sign up to be a poll watcher with the New Hampshire Democratic Party (NHPD), visit this link. 

Here’s a breakdown of the requirements to be a poll worker in New Hampshire, according to The National Conference of State Legislatures. 

All NHDP poll watchers need to complete a mandatory virtual training to be certified, after which they receive a form they need to fill out. 

Almost two weeks before the polls, all volunteers receive a poll observer manual that details everything they need to know to prepare for election day. 

What should I expect on election day as a poll watcher? 

• As a poll watcher from the NHDP, your assignments will go out on Nov. 2 when you find out which polling booth you’ll be stationed at. 
• Bring a copy of your appointment letter: A day before election day, all certified poll watchers will receive a letter signed by the NHDP chair. 
• You will be in line-of-sight outside the guardrail inside the polling place, and watch votes being cast/ballots being counted from there. 
• Unless given permission, you will always stay six feet away from the ballot clerk’s check-in table. 

I already took an NHDP poll watcher training, but am not confident that I remember all my responsibilities. 

Need to jog your memory on certain rules? No problem! A recorded version of the training is sent to everyone who attends the virtual session, and can be found online here.

If I am going to be a poll watcher, will I have the time to cast my own vote? 

Yes, if you’re signed up for a half-day shift, you can go when you’re not on duty. But otherwise, absentee voting is the best option for you. 

Why does the role of a poll watcher matter? 

A part of your job will be to make sure everyone who is an eligible voter is able to participate in the elections. You will try your best to prevent any sort of voter suppression. 

For instance: Poll observers for the NHDP will collect names of all same-day registrants. This list may include a lot of student voters or unhoused voters who were not able to prove identity on election day. Under current law, same-day registrants who cannot provide valid ID, have seven days to produce one to election officials. Failure to do so will result in removal of their vote from the final count. So you will note their names, help them provide proof of ID, and make sure their vote makes it to the final count.

You’ll also take part in absentee ballot counting, which typically takes place in the morning. 

In addition, you’ll be there to look out for any voter intimidation. So you will watch out for any comments made in line, rude language, physical obstructions etc. 

Your work will help make sure elections remain free and fair!