Poll watchers have been part of U.S. elections dating back to the 18th century. Their activities are controlled by state laws and local rules. Members of both major political parties keep an eye on the voting - and each other - to make sure things go smoothly. State laws call observers inside polling stations different things. States also may ask them to do different things. In some areas, poll “watchers” are different from “challengers,” who can point out people they suspect are not legal voters. In other states, poll watchers also do the challenging. Other rules set limits on how close party supporters can stand outside polling stations. Rules on who can “watch” voting, and the powers given to these observers, differ from state to state.
What controls the activities of poll watchers?
federal law
state laws and local rules
the candidates
the political party in office
What is a poll watcher?
campaign fund raisers who hand out flyers when people are voting
the person to repair the voting booth if it breaks down
the major candidates running for office
people from both major political parties who keep an eye on the voting to make sure things go smoothly
Poll watchers have been part of U.S. elections dating back to the 18th century.
18th century
12th century
16th century
15th century