Notes from a Poll Observer

By Jan Sandoz

If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer for something that is easy, interesting and extremely important, I encourage you to be a poll observer during the general election this November. Your main responsibility will be to observe the voting process, report any problems and document irregularities. You are not allowed to speak to any poll workers or voters – just observe and report.

Prior to election day I was required to attend a 90-minute zoom training, which was very organized and informative. We were instructed on what to watch for and how to create an account on the secure website in order to report any problems in real time. We were also given a phone number to call if an immediate response was required.

On election day I arrived for my 4-hour shift and was directed to the poll inspector (person in charge) to be checked in. I was provided a comfortable chair from which to observe and was told I was also welcome to walk about and observe as long as I did not interfere with voter privacy. My shift was completely uneventful which, of course, means it was a good day. In addition, I found the opportunity to get a first-hand view of how elections actually work to be a valuable experience.

If your goal is civic service, election integrity, or learning how voting works, please consider being a poll observer. Sign up here.