Responsible public oversight of election processes helps ensure that they’re performed thoroughly, with attention to detail. Examples of procedures you may be able to observe:
- Logic and accuracy testing of voting equipment
- Processing requests for mail ballots
- Checking outer envelopes of received mail ballots
- Early voting setup
We recommend you find a buddy to go with you to observe, and check with your local election office ahead of time for a schedule of activities and the rules about observing.
You do not need to sign up with Scrutineers to observe. However, we’d love to hear about your experiences!
| Purpose | Help make elections more transparent and accurate |
| Est. Time Commitment | 3-40 hours (Your choice) |
| Calendar | In the weeks leading up to any election |
| Requirements | Honesty and integrity. Commitment to respecting election workers. |
| Add’l Skills | Keen observation, note-taking, attention to detail, ability to focus for long periods of time. Understanding of election procedures helpful but not required. |
| Location | At your local election office. |
| Number of People | Unlimited. We recommend working with at least one buddy. |
| Next Steps | Watch Vote Count Observer training here. (This approximately 30-minute training focuses on observing after an election, but most of the content will be relevant). |