1. Making Every Vote Count
Training for Poll Watchers and Citizen Observers
Florida Fair Elections Coalition
October 2016

2. Poll watchers are: Registered voters in the county where they serve
Designated by political party or candidate to observe conduct of election
Certified by supervisor of elections
Not candidates or law enforcement

3. What do poll watchers do?
Observe conduct of election in polling places on behalf of party or candidate
Report and document violations of election laws & other problems
Promote transparency and citizen ownership of elections to improve confidence in election results

4. How do I become a poll watcher?
Sign up with party or candidate
Lists must be submitted 2 weeks in advance
Attend poll watchers’ training
Receive certification letter in mail from SOE
Get packet & assignment from party or candidate

5. Your rights as a poll watcher
Watch any polling place for which you have credentials
Be physically present in polling place
Closely observe all aspects of process
Inspect precinct registers, machine counters, procedures manual
Report concerns to poll clerk & designated contact

6. Your limitations as a poll watcher
May not interfere with orderly conduct of election by poll workers
May not talk to voters.
Approach officials’ table or voting booth only as necessary
Direct questions only to poll clerk.
Bring own equipment and supplies

7. Limitations(cont’d) Not allowed to campaign.
Leave promptly when replacement arrives. Only one poll worker per party or candidate permitted in polls at a time.

8. Getting Ready for Election Day
Read training materials thoroughly. Call if you have questions.
Know your quick guide.
Make sure you have precinct assignment, time slot, contact numbers, and replacement’s name.

9. Put Together Your Election Day Kit
You should have:
Chair, water, food, cell phone, paper, pencil
Poll watchers packet, including quick guide to law, necessary forms, credentials, schedule, and contact numbers

10. Learn Florida Voter’s Bill of Rights
Vote and have vote accurately counted
Cast vote if in line at time of closing.
Ask for and receive assistance.
Receive up to two replacement ballots
Receive explanation if identity or registration is questioned.

11. Voter’s Bill of Rights (cont’d)
Vote by provisional ballot if identity or registration is challenged.
Receive written or oral instructions on voting
Vote free from coercion or intimidation
Vote on system in working condition that allows votes cast accurately.

12. Learn Florida Election Law
Become familiar with quick guide to the law and keep handy
Outside Polling Place:
Sign indicating precinct
Signs marking “no solicitation” zone
Deputy to keep order and handle problems

13. Florida Election Law (cont’d)
Inside Polling Place:
Who is allowed to be there?
Who is prohibited from being there?
Voters Rights posted
Copy of state Polling Places Procedures Manual
Photography prohibited when voters are present

14. Florida Election Law (cont’d)
Voting Procedures
Voter ID—accepted forms
Florida Drivers License
Florida ID from DMV
U.S. passport
Debit or credit card with photo
Military or student ID
Retirement center or neighborhood association ID

15. Florida Election Law (cont’d)
Voting Procedures (cont’d)
Address and name changes
Handling of absentee ballots
Voter challenges
Voter assistance
Right to instructions
Voter errors

16. Florida Election Law (cont’d)
Provisional ballots
Issued if voter’s identity or eligibility cannot be confirmed
Right to provide written evidence supporting eligibility
May check to see if vote was counted
If only ID is in question, canvassing board will count ballot if signature is confirmed

17. Election Day! Be assertive and firm without being offensive.
Establish a good relationship with poll workers and election officials.
Be assertive and firm without being offensive.
Do not talk politics with anyone
Do not chat too much or distract workers or voters.

18. Election Monitoring Basics
Arrive on time—opening, 45 min early; regular shifts & closing 10 to 15 min
Show credentials to poll clerk; call immediately if you are not on list.
Set up your space so that you are close enough to see and hear.

19. Basics (cont’d) Put cell phone on vibrate
If you are replacing someone, ask about any prior issues or problems
Report concerns to poll clerk
Call contact number and fill out incident reports

20. Watching the Opening
Any citizen may observe opening of polls (up to 3 per precinct).
Familiarize yourself with form well in advance
Arrive at least 30 minutes early
Fill out form with requested information & return as directed.

21. Watching the Closing Any citizen may observe poll closing.
Familiarize yourself with form well in advance & have it with you.
Arrive about 15 min.before closing; plan to stay to 8 pm or later.
Fill out form with requested information & return as directed.

22. What problems might happen?
Unauthorized persons in polling place
Campaigning or politicking
Voter’s name not on register
No ID or different signature
Equipment failures or malfunctions
Voter assistance and special needs

23. Problems (cont’d) Absentee ballots at polls
Voting mistakes—spoiled ballots
Emergencies—no power, weather
Poll worker mistakes or misconduct
Violations of law by citizens or officials

24. How do I report problems?
Immediately report violations to polling clerk for resolution.
Stay calm; do not be disruptive!
If not resolved, call contact number
Keep detailed notes, including time, nature, and resolution of problem.

25. Comments & Questions Thank you for helping guard democracy!
Don’t forget—poll watching is your right!
Call if you have questions.
Give us your feedback so we can improve training.