Appendix 15
Code of Conduct for Poll Watchers and Observers
General Polling Place Conduct and Expectations for Poll Watchers and Observers
All Poll Watchers and Observers must show a valid photo ID to the Clerk and/or Poll Manager on duty upon arrival. Poll
Watchers must present an official letter from the candidate or party designating them as such and listing the precinct(s)
for which they may be assigned. Poll Watchers and Observers must follow the direction of the Clerk and/or Poll Manager
on duty at all times. Any Poll Watcher or Observer who refuses to agree to and abide by this Code of Conduct will not be
allowed to remain in the polling location and will be asked to leave. If they refuse to leave, the poll manager or clerk
should contact local law enforcement for assistance.
Observers and Poll Watchers may:
• Observe the election processes, including the opening and closing processes at the polling place.
• Observe the election processes during the early voting period at an early voting center.
• Obtain information from the Clerk, or designated Poll Manager, about how many people have voted and who
has voted as long as the EPB station is not currently being used to check-in voters. Lists will not be provided at
the polling location.
• Make notes while observing the election processes.
• Ask questions of the Clerk, or designated Poll Manager, at the polls as long as they do not interfere with the
conduct of any part of the voting process. If a poll watcher/observer disagrees with the designated poll manager
or clerk, or needs more information, they should step outside and contact the county office for clarification.
Observers and Poll Watchers may not:
• Interfere with the conduct of the election.
• Take pictures or video inside the polling place, with the exception of the zero tape and results tape once posted.
See section on “Cell Phones and Electronic Devices”
• Physically handle or touch any voting materials or equipment.
• Move or rearrange tables, chairs, or voting booths at the polling place or early voting center.
• Sit at or hover around official worktables or view confidential voter information on any computer terminal, EPB,
or document.
• Communicate with voters inside of a polling place or an early voting center.
• Display any political material, including slogans, or wear campaign badges, buttons, or apparel.
• Wear any uniform resembling that of law enforcement officers or military personnel.
• Have a firearm, knife, or other weapon within a polling place or early voting center.
• Talk to any election worker who is not the Clerk or designated Poll Manager.
• Tell a Clerk or Poll Manager how to conduct their duties.
• Argue with any election workers or voters.
• Make physical contact with election personnel or voters.
• Verbally harass or intimidate election workers, voters, or other persons in the polling place or early voting
center.
• Assist in operations at any polling place or early voting center.
• Prevent other observers from observing materials or a process.
Violations of this Code of Conduct will result in dismissal from the polling location for the duration of the election. The
authority for such determination rests solely with the leadership of the polling place and, when necessary, the county
voter registration and elections office.
Canvassing the Vote
After the polls close, poll watchers and observers can remain in the polling place to observe the canvassing process. The
Clerk may establish a new designated area for watchers and observers to allow for the viewing of the closing process.
They must remain in a designated observation area during this time apart from viewing the results tape once it is posted
publicly. They may take a picture of the results tape once it’s posted outside of the immediate voting area. Watchers and
observers will be dismissed from the polling place after the results tapes have been printed, signed, and posted AND the
ballot boxes have been locked and sealed.