Chapter 7. Election Day, While the Polls Are Open, this link opens in a new browser tab.
7.E. Ballot Application Station, this link opens in a new browser tab.
7.E.7. Comparing Signatures
Once the ballot application is signed, the Election Judge will compare the signature on the ballot application with the signature on record.
A poll watcher may position themselves to observe the comparison of signatures.
If the Election Judge determines that the signatures match, the Election Judge will initial the ballot application and the voter will be allowed to continue to obtain a ballot.
7.E.7.a. The Signatures Match
If the signatures match, the Election Judge will initial the ballot application and direct the voter toward the ballot station.
7.E.7.b. The Signatures Do Not Match
The Election Judge may ask the voter for additional identification to help establish the voter's identity.
A voter's signature cannot be rejected until the majority of the Election judges for the voter's precinct (or a majority of Election Judges if voting in a county-wide Polling Place) agree with the determination.
7.E.7.c. If the Poll Watcher Disagrees With the Decision
The poll watcher does not decide whether a signature comparison is accepted or rejected.
The poll watcher may pose a challenge and ask the Election Judges from the voter's precinct (or a majority of Election Judges in a county-wide Polling Place) to review the signature comparison if the review was not automatic.
7.E.7.c.1. Further Action
The decision of multiple Election Judges should not be challenged further unless the poll watcher notices a pattern of denying voting rights to a particular class or group of voters.
Pose the challenge. Inform the poll watcher team so the matter can be escalated.
7.E.7.d. The Voter Is Unable to Sign
If the voter is unable to sign, the Election Judge may ask additional questions, including requesting identification, to establish the voter's identity.