Poll Workers vs. Watchers: What’s the difference?

Elections are the foundation of any democracy, and the United States is no exception. Ensuring the security and integrity of our electoral process is vital to maintaining trust in our democracy. Vet the Vote was founded to empower veterans and military families and strengthen  our elections through volunteerism  and civic responsibility. We often get questions about the difference between election poll workers and “poll watchers,” and we’re quick to point out that we empower veterans and their family members as “poll workers.” There is a significant difference between the two, and we would like to shed some light on these important distinctions. 

Poll Workers: The Unsung Heroes of Democracy

Poll workers are dedicated individuals who selflessly serve our communities during elections. They are responsible for overseeing voting operations at polling stations and ensuring that voters can exercise their right to vote freely, fairly, and without intimidation. Poll workers come from diverse backgrounds, spanning a wide range of age groups and political affiliations, but when they step into their roles, they set aside their political beliefs and commit to nonpartisan professionalism. 

Nonpartisan Commitment

Poll workers undergo rigorous training to learn how to run an election polling site and understand election laws, procedures, and ethical standards. They must remain impartial and treat all voters equally. Their primary goal is to facilitate a smooth electoral process, safeguard voter rights, and provide assistance to voters when needed. Their commitment to nonpartisanship is crucial to maintaining public trust in our democratic institutions.

Efficiency and Organization

Poll workers contribute significantly to the efficiency and organization of election processes. They prepare polling stations, set up voting machines and ballot marking booths, and verify voter registrations. During elections, they manage the check-in process, verify voter identification, distribute ballots, and address any concerns or questions from voters. Their presence ensures that elections are conducted in an orderly and fair manner. Simply put, without poll workers, American elections don’t happen.

Examples of Poll Worker Excellence

In every state, county, and precinct across the country, poll workers demonstrate their impartiality and dedication to the electoral process. In the 2020 general election, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of poll workers across the nation worked tirelessly to adapt to new safety protocols, allowing millions of Americans to cast their votes securely. Their dedication contributed to record-breaking voter turnout, dispelling doubts about the reliability of mail-in voting and bolstering confidence in our electoral system.Yet, since the pandemic, we continue to see a shortage of poll workers. When communities cannot recruit enough poll workers, it results in fewer polling stations and longer lines, making it harder for people to vote and use their voice in our political system.

Poll Watchers: A Double-Edged Sword

According to the US Election Assistance Commission, poll watchers, “sometimes referred to as "election observers," are individuals who may observe steps in the election process. Each state has its own laws and procedures on when and where observers can be present, as well as who can observe the election.” Poll watchers can be part of non-partisan election observation groups, but they can also appointed by political parties and candidates to observe elections and can be motivated by political gain, which has no place at an election. 

Most importantly, poll watchers are not officially connected to their state government or to election officials. Because there is no requirement that poll watchers abandon their political agenda, they could be biased toward a liberal agenda, a conservative agenda, or even toward an anti-democratic agenda. While their presence is legally permitted, it is essential to note that they are not appointed by the state, they are not trained, and they are not at the polls to work; they are just there to watch and report back to their organizing body. 

Potential for Intimidation

While most poll watchers maintain a passive position near polling places, some have been known to actively engage in questionable behaviors that intimidate voters and suppress turnout. Their presence can create an atmosphere of unease and can deter eligible voters from exercising their right to vote. These activities are counter to the principles of democracy and jeopardize the inclusiveness and fairness of our elections.

Scare Tactics and Disinformation

On occasion, poll watchers have been accused of using scare tactics and spreading disinformation to manipulate the electoral process. By sowing doubts about voter fraud or casting aspersions on the integrity of the system, they may seek to suppress votes or promote a specific political agenda. Such tactics undermine the fundamental tenets of democracy, which rely on the informed participation of all citizens.

A Disturbing Example

Though rare, there have been  cases of poll watchers illegally brandishing firearms to intimidate voters. This behavior showcases the potential dangers of unchecked poll watchers. In a recent election, armed individuals claiming to be poll watchers stationed themselves near polling stations, leading to a climate of fear and intimidation. This illegal and undemocratic action targeted voters who disagreed with their political views. Ironically, it is the job of poll workers to prevent poll watchers from intimidating voters or potentially compromising the election in any other way.

What Can You Do?

If you care about the outcome of a football game, could you have more influence as a fan in the stands or as the quarterback? Of course, you’d have more impact if you could get into the game. The same applies to poll watching and poll working. While poll watchers believe they are providing oversight of the democratic process, poll workers are the patriotic American volunteers who actually take responsibility for the administration of our free and fair elections t. Poll workers are the people on the field who make democracy happen each election

So, if you are concerned about the integrity of our elections, sign up to be a poll worker now. If you’ve a veteran or military family member, sign up through Vetthe.Vote. If you’re a civilian, find your local poll worker opportunity at PowerThePolls.com

Either way. Don’t just sit back and watch democracy happen. Get in the game!