5.G.3. Consequences for Attempting To Prevent Someone From Registering To Vote
Unlawfully preventing a citizen from voting or registering to vote is serious.
Misusing challenges is one way of trying to prevent someone else from voting or registering to vote.
It is in the best interest of poll watchers to preserve the right to challenge.
BUT all challenges – whether by a poll watcher, an Election Judge, another observer, or a citizen – must be for cause.
See: Challenges, this link opens in a new browser tab.
The cause must be stated. A challenge cannot be based on a feeling, "we've always done it that way", a suspicion, or discrimination.
See: Discrimination, this link opens in a new browser tab.
What the Poll Watcher Is Looking For.
A poll watcher protects the ability to challenge by protecting registrants from frivolous challenges.