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