State law and local regulations govern what poll watchers can and cannot do on Election Day. Here is a list of rules posted on the Marion County Supervisor of Elections website.
- Poll watchers shall produce identification to the precinct clerk upon entering the polling place (this information will be verified against a list of designated poll watchers compiled prior to Election Day).
- The Supervisor of Elections shall provide to each designated poll watcher a poll watcher identification badge that identifies the poll watcher by name.
- Poll watchers must wear the ID badge while in the polling room or early voting area.
- Each political party, candidate, and political committee is permitted to have ONE poll watcher at a time in each polling room or early voting area.
- Poll watchers shall not obstruct the orderly conduct of the election.
- Poll watchers may not talk to voters while in the polling place or within 150 ft. of the polling place.
- Poll watchers may not interfere in conversations between election workers and voters.
- Poll watchers shall direct any questions/concerns to the precinct clerk.
- Poll watchers shall direct any voter challenges to the precinct clerk.
- Poll watchers are permitted within the polling room to observe the conduct of voters and election workers; however, the election worker staff may designate a location for the poll watchers that will not interfere with voter processing. This designation may be based on site constraints and other space limitations.
- Election workers are NOT required to call out a voter’s name.
- Poll watchers may not stand so close that the voter feels his/her ballot secrecy is compromised.
- Poll watchers are required to furnish their own materials and necessities.
- Candidates cannot be poll watchers, nor can they enter any polling location except to vote.
- Poll watchers may not touch any voting equipment or materials, e.g. ballot scanner.
- The use of cell phones, cameras, tape recorders, and all other audio/visual recording devices are prohibited in the polling room. The device must be set so as to produce no noise or a low volume vibration. One must exit the polling location to make and receive phone calls.
- Poll watchers may not wear political advertisements or campaign paraphernalia in the polling place. This includes but is not limited to the following: clothing, campaign buttons, hats, wristbands, badges, and other similar items. (Voters are entitled to wear political advertisements or campaign paraphernalia). Poll watchers may contact the Election Center at 352-620-3290 if they have any questions regarding Florida election laws and/or procedures.
