Poll Watchers
When you vote at an Early Voting site or Election Day polling place, you may see poll watchers observing voters and poll workers.
Poll watchers play an important role in ensuring fair and transparent elections. This section explains who poll watchers are, what they are allowed to do at voting locations, and how individuals can be designated and approved to serve in this position.
Who Are Poll Watchers?
Candidates, political parties, and political committees can designate observers to stay inside Early Voting sites or Election Day polling places. These observers are known as poll watchers.
They monitor the election process to make sure voters and poll workers are following election laws. If the poll watcher notices anything, he or she can talk with the clerk at the voting location. Poll watchers are prohibited from talking to voters or intimidating anyone.
You must be a registered voter in Orange County to be a poll watcher here. You cannot be a candidate in the election or a law enforcement officer.
How Do I Become a Poll Watcher?
To be a poll watcher, you must be designated by a political organization and then authorized by the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Candidates for office, political parties, and political committees sponsoring ballot measures designate poll watchers. If you are interested in being a poll watcher, you should contact one of these organizations.
Once we receive the list of designated poll watchers, our team reviews and approves each name. After authorization, we mail an official poll watcher badge directly to every approved individual.
Early Voting
- Political organizations must submit their poll watcher lists no later than 14 days before Early Voting begins.
- Our office will mail badges to all approved poll watchers no later than 7 days before Early Voting begins.
Election Day
- Political organizations must submit their poll watcher lists no later than 14 days before Election Day.
- Our office will mail badges to approved poll watchers no later than 7 days before Election Day.
Responsibilities and Permitted Activities
Upon arriving at a voting location, poll watchers must check in with the clerk, show valid photo ID, and wear their official badge at all times.
Poll watchers may:
Observe the conduct of voting inside the site, including voter check-in and interactions between voters and workers.
Remain within the 150-foot no-solicitation zone surrounding voting locations and Secure Ballot Intake Stations.
Monitor Secure Ballot Intake Stations at Early Voting sites.
Leave and return throughout the day as needed.
Direct questions to the clerk.
Use electronic devices as long as they are silent.
Submit voter challenges.
- Challenges must be written, include the legally required oath, and be provided to the clerk.
- Challenges may also be submitted to the Supervisor of Elections up to 30 days before Election Day.
- The voter will be provided a copy and will vote a provisional ballot.
- Submitting a false or frivolous challenge is a criminal offense.
Activities Not Allowed
Poll watchers may not take any action that disrupts or interferes with the voting process. The following are strictly prohibited:
Poll watchers may:
Talking with voters, including anyone inside the 150-foot no-solicitation zone.
Speaking with poll workers other than the clerk.
Touching or operating any voting equipment.
Standing so close to check-in tables or voting booths that it interferes with voter privacy.
Assisting voters unless the voter personally requests assistance and completes the required paperwork.
Taking photographs, video, or audio recordings.
Making phone calls inside the voting area.
Wearing or displaying any political or campaign-related material (hats, shirts, stickers, buttons, signs, etc.).
Hiding, removing, or altering the poll watcher badge.
Bringing a firearm into the voting location, even with a concealed weapons license.
Submitting a false voter challenge.
Intimidating, pressuring, or attempting to influence voters in any way.
The clerk is responsible for maintaining order and ensuring uninterrupted voting. Any poll watcher who violates these rules may be removed from the location.
Connect & Get Involved
Have a question or need assistance? Our team is here to help. Reach out and we’ll make sure you get the information or support you’re looking for.
To report a security issue or vulnerability, please email us at reporting@ocfelections.gov