Chapter 4. Places, this link opens in a new browser tab.
4.B. The Polling Place, this link opens in a new browser tab.
4.B.1. Clustered Voting Zone
In-precinct voting may occur at a Polling Place that contains as many as four precincts.
This typically occurs in areas, such as single-family subdivisions, where limited public space is available for a Polling Place.
When this happens, the precincts form a Clustered Voting Zone, which consists of two, three, or four contiguous precincts located within a single Polling Place.
The precincts must be contiguous (i.e., share a border), and the Polling Place must be located within that cluster of precincts.
At least one Election Judge from each precinct within the Clustered Voting Zone is required. In addition, all Election Judges may not be from the same political party.
All Election Judges share the same authority, EXCEPT:
- Voter assistance must be provided by two (2) Election Judges of different political parties.
- Instruction on voting machines must be provided by two (2) Election Judges of different political parties.
- After the polls close and canvassing is complete, two (2) Election Judges of different political parties must deliver the sealed ballots to the Election Authority.
Note that each of the three exceptions above requires two Election Judges from different political parties. In these three exceptions, the Election Judges do not have to be from the same precinct as the voter. Any two Election Judges assigned to the Polling Place may perform these duties, provided they are not from the same political party.
What the Poll Watcher Is Looking For.
Most important to the poll watcher is the fourth exception:
4. Any disputes as to entitlement to vote, challenges, counting of ballots, or other matters directly pertaining to voting shall be decided by the designated judges appointed for the precinct in which the affected voter resides or in which the disputed vote is to be counted.
This means that if a voter is challenged, the matter is not decided by all Election Judges present. Only the Election Judge(s) assigned to that voter’s precinct may decide the challenge or dispute.
Note that the statute authorizing Clustered Voting Zones refers specifically to consolidated and special elections. However, Clustered Voting Zones are often used during general elections and primaries as well.
This is not an issue for a poll watcher to challenge on Election Day. If there is concern, it is a matter for your sponsoring organization to address well before Election Day.