The heart of the democratic process is a fair and free election, but preserving this right requires vigilance. In the nineteenth century, voting fraud, especially in big cities dominated by machine politics, was rampant, but thanks to the advent of the lever voting machine, the nation’s faith in the voting process was restored. The disputed 2000 election and the controversy surrounding “hanging chads” in Florida and elsewhere have once again shaken our confidence that the principle of one person, one vote prevails.
Keeping a Watchful Eye on the Vote That’s why citizen poll watchers, monitors, workers, and assistants are so important. Each has a different responsibility, but collectively they keep a watchful eye on the voting process to ensure that it is transparent:
Poll watchers are appointed by a candidate or a political party to observe Election Day procedures. If they believe someone is fraudulently attempting to vote, they may make a formal challenge.
Poll monitors are typically nonpartisan observers of the process looking for incidence of fraud, voter intimidation, or abuse.
Poll workers are temporary employees of the local election commission. They prepare the precinct by setting up voting equipment, greeting voters, verifying registration, and providing voters with appropriate ballots. At the end of the day, poll workers close the precinct and prepare election materials for delivery or actually deliver the materials to the elections office.
Poll assistants, also temporary employees, fill various local needs such as translation. They may also work at the election office before and after Election Day and provide logistical support at the polling place.
Get Involved The qualifications of poll watchers and monitors are determined by the political parties or nonprofits that they represent. Qualifications for poll workers and assistants are determined by the states. Typically workers and assistants are required to be registered voters in the precinct or county in which they serve. They usually attend a training session that lasts a few hours—and they often receive compensation for their work.
Serving as an observer or worker on Election Day is a great way to give back to your community. And there’s no better front-row seat for watching democracy in action. Consider volunteering!
The heart of the democratic process is a fair and free election, but preserving this right requires vigilance. In the nineteenth century, voting fraud, especially in big cities dominated by machine politics, was rampant, but thanks to the advent of the lever voting machine, the nation’s faith in the voting process was restored. The disputed 2000 election and the controversy surrounding “hanging chads” in Florida and elsewhere have once again shaken our confidence that the principle of one person, one vote prevails.