There has been a lot of talk about "Poll Watchers" leading up to the November election, but what exactly does a Poll Watcher do, and how are they appointed?
The WZDX Voter Access Team has you covered.
In the state of Alabama, the Poll Watcher position is defined in the Alabama Code, specifically Section 17-8-7. This section of the Alabama Code describes how Poll Watchers can be appointed and what they are and aren't allowed to do.
In part (a) of this section goes into how Poll Watchers are appointed. It reads, "Except in the case of municipal elections, each political party or organization having candidates nominated, by a writing submitted to the inspector by the chair of the county executive committee or nominees for office or beat committeeman, may appoint a watcher for each voting place. In the event of an election in which there are no candidates, each political party, through a writing submitted to the inspector by the chair of the county executive committee, may appoint a watcher for each voting place."
Basically, each political party on the ballot can appoint a Poll Watcher to each voting place simply by submitting it in writing to the counties' election inspector.
Part (b) of the section provides a list of things a Poll Watcher is allowed to do:
- Observe the conduct of the election.
- Monitor the preliminaries of opening the polls.
- Remain at the polling place throughout the election until the results of the election have been posted and the voting machines sealed, as provided by law.
- Observe the ballots as they are counted.
- Observe absentee ballots and affidavits when they are called during the count.
- See all oaths administered and signed, the record of assisted voters, the list of qualified voters, the poll lists, and any and all records made in connection with the election.
Part (c) of the section discusses how Poll Watchers are sworn in.
Finally, part (d) of the section states what Poll Watchers ARE NOT allowed to do. It reads: "A watcher may not disturb voters, attempt to influence voters, campaign, or display or wear any campaign material or buttons while inside any polling place."
Click here to read the full section of the Alabama Code that defines Poll Watchers.