Poll watcher

A poll watcher is an observer appointed by a political party, candidate or sometimes an advocacy group to watch the conduct of an election. Watchers may be present at polling places and, in many states, at locations where ballots are counted, processed or audited.

Rules vary. States set the number of observers allowed, how they are credentialed, where they may stand and what they may do. In many states they cannot interfere with voters or handle materials and can report concerns to officials, and some states permit "challengers" to question a voter's eligibility on specific grounds. Federal law bans intimidation of voters. Other observers include nonpartisan groups and, in some places, international monitors.

Supporters argue that observers create transparency and give each party confidence, which is a check on election certification and signature verification decisions. Critics have raised concerns about harassment of election workers and voters, disruption of counting and the spread of unverified claims from observers. Many election officials welcome properly trained observers but stress that rules must be enforced. Disputes over access came up in counting sites after 2020. See also recount.