Quick Facts About Poll Watchers

Poll watchers are volunteers who observe and monitor the election process. Democrats, Republicans and non-partisan groups send people to voting sites during every election to ensure nothing irregular is happening.

In California, anyone is allowed to observe the voting process. However, there are strict rules in place for this activity, including:

• Poll watchers cannot approach a voter personally at a vote center or harass elections staff. It is illegal to get in the way of the voting process.

• Polling place observers are there to observe only. They cannot challenge anything at a voting location

• Poll watchers may not touch ballots or ballot equipment.

• If a poll watcher believes they have observed any irregularities, they may contact the California Secretary of State’s voter hotline at 1-800 345-8683.