Elections & terms
poll watcher
An observer designated by a party, campaign, or ballot committee to watch procedures at a polling place or count. They may observe, not interfere.
In full
Watchers provide transparency and a record if something goes wrong. State law sets who may serve, how many are allowed, where they may stand, and what they may challenge. The line between observing and intimidating is legally significant: federal law prohibits intimidating voters, and states restrict direct contact with them.
Also written as: election observer
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.