Chapter 6. Election Day, Before the Polls Open, this link opens in a new browser tab.

6.M. Before the Polls Open, Poll Watcher Checklist

Credentials

• Present credentials or inform the election judges that poll watcher credentials are ready when the election judges are available.

Tabulator

• Check that the seal on the tabulator is intact.
• Check that the ballot box is empty.
• Check that the tabulator's auxiliary ballot box is empty.
• Examine the tabulator zero tape for votes.
• Observe the Election Judges Compare the Sample Ballot to the Actual Ballot.
• Observe as the election judges compare the sample ballot to an actual ballot.
• Check that the counter of the tabulator is set to zero.
• Observe that the ballot box/tabulator is locked.
• c9 .
• c10 Confirm ballot box/tabulator is on public view.

Voting Machines

• Observe the key security envelope for the voting machine being opened.
• Observe the examination of the voting machine by the election judges.
• Check that the ballot labels are in place on the voting machine.
• Check that the voting machine counter is set to zero.
• Check the voting machine for electioneering material.
• Compare the facsimile diagrams to the ballot labels.
• Check that the facsimile diagrams are publicly displayed for the voter.
• Check for voting machine instructional aids are publicly displayed for the voter.
• Check that an instructional model of the voting machine is available for voters to use.
• Confirm that each voting machine is on public view.

Ballot Marking Device

• Check that the ballot marking device is powered on.
• Check that the ballot marking device privacy shields, if provided, are installed.
• Check that the ballot marking device screen cannot be read by others in the room.
• Check that the ballot marking device screen is positioned toward the voter.
• Check that the ballot marking device screen is readable (no glare, minimal reflection).

Federal Voting Information Requirement

• Confirm that sample ballots are publicly available.
• Confirm that the voting dates, times, and locations are publicly posted.
• Confirm that instructions on casting a vote are publicly posted.
• Confirm that instructions on casting a provisional ballot are publicly posted.
• Confirm that instructions for mail-in registrants and first-time voters are publicly posted.
• Confirm that information on the right of an individual to cast a provisional ballot is publicly posted.
• Confirm that instructions on how to contact the appropriate officials if these rights are alleged to have been violated are publicly posted.
• Confirm that instructions on how to contact the appropriate officials if these rights are alleged to have been violated are publicly posted.
• Confirm that general information on Federal and State laws regarding prohibitions on acts of fraud and misrepresentation are publicly posted.

Signage and information required by the state

• Check for copies of propositions and state constitutional amendments.
• Check for availability of specimen or sample ballots.
• Check for instructions to the voters on how to obtain ballots.
• Check for instructions to the voters on the manner of marking ballots.
• Check for instructions to the voters on the method of obtaining assistance.
• Check for instructions to the voters on obtaining new ballots to replace those accidentally spoiled.

Miscellaneous Checks

• Check the wheelchair accessible voting booth.
• Check that a seated voting option is available.
• Check that there is a portable voting booth for voter assist.
• Check other accessibility and accommodation materials.
• Check for electioneering materials within the leased space.

Election Judges

• Create a list of election judges and their party affiliations.
• Confirm that the required party balance of election judges is present (majority Democratic for the 2026-2027 cycle).
• Optional: Ask an election judge to check the voter registration of other poll watchers.

Opening the Polls

• Find a chair.
• Observe the proclamation that the polls are open.