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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.