Looking for a way to help on Election Day but can’t work a 14-hour shift at the polls? Another very impactful action is to volunteer to be a poll watcher for the Hamilton County Democratic Party. This unpaid position is a crucial part of ensuring fairness at polling locations.
What Does a Poll Watcher Do?
The primary purpose of a poll watcher is to ensure that everything is going smoothly at the polling place and that everyone can vote. The poll watcher is there to observe, and not to interfere with the voting process. If they see something questionable, they can notify the proper authorities. Often the mere presence of a poll watcher is enough to deter shenanigans.
As a poll watcher, you will be allowed to enter the polling place 30 minutes before it opens and remain there until the votes are tabulated (with the privilege of being able to come and go as needed). You are allowed to inspect the voting equipment, inspect the work being done by precinct officials, witness the vote tabulation, and more. You will be on the lookout for voters who are being turned away for some reason, and making sure they are properly redirected or allowed to cast a provisional ballot.
Another thing you will be on the lookout for is illegal electioneering (promoting a candidate inside or near the polls). Some examples include the following:
Workers and voters of any party are not allowed to wear or display material promoting a particular candidate.
Each candidate can have only one campaign sign outside each polling place.
Campaigners are not allowed within a 50-foot radius of the entrance to the polls.
What If I Run into a Problem?
If you see clear violations of election law or have questions about anything, your first step is to speak with the polling place’s inspector, who is appointed by the Republican party. If you don’t get a satisfactory resolution, you can call the Democratic Voter Protection Hotline or the county election board. As a last resort, if public safety seems threatened, you can contact local law enforcement.
Will There Be Training?
You will receive written training materials, and the county party plans to convene an in-person Q&A meeting for poll watchers before the election.
How Do I Sign Up?
What could be more important than ensuring that everyone can vote on Election Day? If this sounds like something you would like to do, go to our Volunteer page and click the Poll Watcher checkbox. See you at the polls!
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