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 may be members of organizations such as a political party or nonpartisan group, candidate representatives, international observers, exit polling groups, academics or relevant federal and state agencies. Some states also allow members of the public to view election processes in person, though these rules also vary.
The role of a poll watcher is to observe and monitor the election, without violating voter privacy or disrupting the election. Poll watchers are different from challengers, though in some jurisdictions, poll watchers may challenge the eligibility of voters or the validity of ballots. The following websites provide some example guidance from national, state-level, and local jurisdictions.
National
EAC: Election Observers Overview
EAC: Quick Start Guide on Poll Watchers
Carter Center: Who Can Observe U.S. Elections?
National Association of Secretaries of State: State Laws on Authorized Poll Watchers, Challengers, or Other Election Observers
National Conference of State Legislatures: Poll Watchers and Challengers
National Conference of State Legislatures: Policies for Election Observers
State
Alabama: Poll Watchers Guide
Alaska: Guide for Poll Watchers
Arizona: Guidance on Polling Place Conduct
Arkansas: Rules on Poll Watchers, Vote Challenges, and Provisional Voting
California: Election Observations Rights and Responsibilities
Colorado: Election Watchers
District of Columbia: Poll Watchers
Florida: Watchers at Polls
Georgia: Poll Watcher Training Manual
Hawaii: Poll Watchers Factsheet
Idaho: Challengers and Watchers
Iowa: Poll Watchers Guide
Kansas: A Guide to Poll Agent Rules
Louisiana: Poll Watchers
Maryland: Instructions and Information for Challengers, Watchers, and Other Election Observers
Michigan: Election Challengers and Poll Watchers: Summary of Rights and Duties
Mississippi: General Guidelines Pertaining to Poll Watchers
Missouri: Who may be admitted to polling place
Montana: Poll Watchers
Nebraska: Election Day FAQ
New Mexico: Election Challengers, Watchers & Observers Information
North Carolina: Tips for Monitoring or Observing the Election at Polling Sites
North Dakota: Election Observers
Ohio: Being an Election Observer: Things to Know
Oklahoma: Precinct Officials and Poll Watchers
Pennsylvania: Guidance Concerning Poll Watchers and Authorized Representatives
South Carolina: Poll Managers Handbook
South Dakota: Poll Watcher and Observers Guidelines
Texas: Poll Watchers Guide
Utah: Watchers
Wisconsin: Election Observers
Local
Arlington County, VA: Guidelines for Candidates and Political Parties Regarding Poll Watchers, Outside Poll Workers, and Placement of Political Signs
Chicago, IL: All About Poll Watchers: Rights & Responsibilities
Denver, CO: Poll Watchers Information Packet
Duval County, FL: Poll Watchers
Hamilton County, TN: Poll Watcher Guidelines
Jefferson County, WA: Election Observer’s Guide
Multnomah County, OR: Opportunities for Observation
New York City, NY: Poll Watchers Guide
Orange County, CA: Handbook for Election Observer Guidelines
Ravalli County, MT: Guidance to Election Officials in Regard to Official Poll Watchers and Election Observers