Poll Workers vs Poll Observers

Similarities and differences

Requirements

• Poll Worker

– Must be a registered voter in his/her county of residence– Can only work in his/her county of residence – Must be trained by his/her county Board of Elections (2-3hours)– Must register as a potential poll worker at his/her county Board of

Elections or Secretary of State’s Office– Must work approximately 1-2 hours for set-up meeting the night

before the election– Must work 6:00 am to approximately 7 or 8 p.m. day of election– Is a paid position. – Can opt for home precinct or more challenging precinct– Can work in pairs if requested ahead of time depending on county

BOE

Requirements

Poll Observer– Must have a Certificate of Appointment by an appointing

authority– Is not a paid position– Possible assignments:

• Observers at an In-Person Absentee Voting Location (early voting)• Observers at a Board of Elections Office prior to the Official Canvass• Observers at Precincts on Election Day• Recount Observers• Election Audit Observers

Observer Duties

• Must know election law and rules• Must comply with the wishes of the Presiding Judge (PJ)• May be ejected by the PJ if deemed disruptive• Cannot talk to voters/workers unless has a specific problem and

then only to the PJ• Cannot have any recording device • Can step out to call the BOE if necessary• Keeps copious notes• Can work in a different county