Looking for information on becoming a poll worker? Visit our Be a Poll Worker page.
To ensure fair and honest elections, the State of Idaho allows poll watchers to observe election activities. The primary responsibility of the poll watcher is to observe the conduct of the election at a specific polling place on behalf of a candidate, party, or ballot question on Election Day. A poll watcher is not the same as a poll worker.
Who is authorized to be a poll watcher?
A candidate or a party (if a partisan election) may designate official poll watchers at specified precincts on Election Day and a list of poll watchers must be submitted to Ada County Elections in advance of the Election. No person may self-nominate to be a poll watcher.
What is the deadline to designate a poll watcher?
A candidate or political party must submit a listing of poll watchers and their assigned precinct or location in writing to Ada County Elections at least 12 days prior to observing the polls. This written request must be signed by the candidate or party chairman or secretary. The Poll Watcher Designation Form is available to assist in providing the proper information. Multiple forms may be used if needed.
What does a poll watcher do?
As poll watchers act as representatives of a candidate or party, specific goals and instructions related to what to do or watch for are at the discretion of the candidate or party. In a partisan election, poll watchers have the right to challenge the eligibility of voters if there is a reasonable cause to believe that they are not qualified electors by raising the challenge with the chief judge of the precinct.
Who provides training to poll watchers?
Because poll watchers observe on behalf of a party, candidate or ballot question, any training or instruction to poll watchers is provided by the party, candidate or ballot question directly. Ada County Elections does not train or recruit poll watchers. Ada County Elections does provide guidance that poll watchers must follow in order to serve in their role.
What are the requirements for a poll watcher?
Poll watchers must wear elections office-issued identification at all times. Poll watchers may not interfere with or interrupt the voting process. Only one poll watcher per candidate, party, or ballot question can be present in the precincts’ voting area at a time. Electioneering is prohibited at the polls. Poll watchers may not distribute campaign literature or wear party, candidate, or issue–oriented materials: shirts, stickers, buttons, etc.
For more information, please see Idaho Statute, Chapter 34-304.
How does a poll watcher differ from a poll worker?
Poll workers, unlike poll watchers, are hired by Ada County Elections to staff precincts and assist voters on Election Day. For more information about working as a poll worker, visit our Be a Poll Worker page.