Chapter 2 Basic Poll Watcher Rights & Responsibilities, this link opens in a new browser tab.

2.D.4. Leaving & Entering Before the Polls Open and After the Polls Close

Avoid leaving and entering the polling place before the polls are open and after the polls are closed.

Poll watchers are not locked in while the polls are closed, but should make every effort not to enter or leave while the polls are closed.

The Election Judges have a lot of work to do. The Election Judges simply do not have the time to lock and unlock the door for the poll watcher. This is a courtesy that the poll watcher extends to the Election Judges. It also insures the safety and integrity of the vote.

The poll watcher should plan their day so that they have what they need before entering the polling place in the morning. If the poll watcher can wait one hour until the polls open, then the poll watcher should wait.

At the end of the day, when the Election Judge announces the polls will be closing in one-half hour, the poll watcher should check that they have all they need to remain until the canvassing of the vote is complete.