Notes for Poll Watchers

DO the reporting. DON’T be what’s reported.

Get there early and scope things out. Stay outside the 100-foot area, except to report a problem to the polling place deputy. (Exit pollers ARE ALLOWED within the 100-foot area.) Don’t wear any campaign stuff, and don’t have any campaign stuff on your vehicle. Take pens, paper, water, snacks, watch, camera. (You may prefer to use a voice recorder instead of taking notes.)

Look for behavior that isn’t normal:

n Someone hanging around within the 100-foot area after voting

n Out-of-state license plates

n Same car driving around the area

n Someone sitting in a car and not getting out, especially two people

n Someone trying to talk to the elderly or non-English speaking voter

Other activities that may be reported if persistent:

n Yelling at voters from outside the 100-foot area

n Use of microphones or megaphones outside the 100-foot area to speak to voters

n Any behavior that harasses voters

n Exit pollsters who mention a candidate’s name

n An over-abundance of exit pollsters

IMPORTANT: All vocal threats or threatening behavior should be reported immediately.

Signs that a person is doing something he knows he shouldn’t be doing:



n Picking at his clothes

n Sweating

n Agitation

n Nervousness



If you see something that you think should be reported:

n Write down the time of day

n Make notes about the behavior

n Write down distinguishing marks—tattoos, t-shirt logos, hats, hair length, etc.

n Write down the license plate number, if applicable

n Write down names and phone numbers of witnesses

n If necessary, take a picture

Do NOT confront anyone. Do NOT do anything illegal. IMPORTANT: Recording someone’s voice without his or her permission is illegal.

Report a potential problem to the polling place deputy standing just outside the polling place entrance. Allow a reasonable amount of time, 15 to 30 minutes, for the problem to be resolved. Report ALL troublemakers, Democrat AND Republican, but don’t over-complain. If someone else reports a problem, try to get that person’s name and phone number and the details of his/her complaint.

Call Dan Estes to let him know you have reported a problem. Dan’s #s: 624-7873 / 303-1905. If you can’t get through to Dan, call Teresa Eaton at 832-5689.

Be diligent and professional, use common sense and stay safe. God bless you for doing this important job!