By: Saige Draeger
As the midterm election approaches, people are looking for ways to get involved and learn about how elections work. One meaningful opportunity available in many states is signing up to be an election observer. Each election, thousands of nonpartisan volunteers fan out in jurisdictions across the country to observe various parts of the election process. This network documents and attests to the integrity of our elections, allowing everyday people to exercise public oversight, protect against attempts to discredit the election, and increase confidence in outcomes. Below is an introduction to the work of election observers and information on how to join an observation program.
What is election observation?
Election observation is the practice of systematically watching election processes to assess fairness and transparency. Observation efforts can focus on many parts of the election process, such as vote counting, pre-election logic and accuracy (L&A) testing of voting equipment, post-election audits, and results certification. Observers do not run or have authority over an election; observers serve as witnesses to the process.
Who are election observers?
Nonpartisan election observers are distinct from partisan poll watchers in that they are members of the public and not nominated by a political party or committee. Election observers serve as independent witnesses who can vouch for the process and document areas of improvement. Each state has rules governing what parts of the process can be observed by members of the public and what is limited to partisan observers. Check the rules in your jurisdiction to learn more.
What does an election observer do on Election Day?
Election observers can be static, assigned to monitor one polling location, or roving, visiting multiple polling locations throughout Election Day. Groups organizing observation typically provide their volunteers with training, explainers, or a checklist to help guide observer assessment on questions like the accessibility of each location, adherence to ballot secrecy and integrity measures, adequate staffing and supplies, and others. Observers also document any issues that arise while they are present, along with how those issues are handled.
Are observers allowed to intervene if they see something wrong, or can they only watch and report?
Election observers may not interfere with the election process by directing poll workers, disrupting voting, or exercising authority. Many jurisdictions have an elections staff member or poll worker available to field questions or concerns raised by observers. Formal election observation programs may have mechanisms to collect and escalate, if necessary, any issues documented by election observers.
What organizations recruit and train volunteer observers?
The League of Women Voters recruits and trains volunteers, assigns them to polling places, and provides a standardized reporting form for their observations (learn more). The Carter Center also recruits and trains nonpartisan U.S. election observer volunteers in select states (learn more). Election Protection, a nonpartisan coalition of civic engagement groups, recruits and trains nonpartisan poll monitors across the country for deployment in their communities or for places experiencing high need during election season (learn more).
Why should I observe?
Observation provides a front-row seat to the voting process, offering the public another way to meaningfully participate in the election process beyond casting a ballot or serving as a pollworker. Volunteering as an observer means improving the quality, accessibility, and validity of U.S. elections—and likely learning a thing or two about the process along the way.