Chapter 5 — In–Person, In–Precinct Voting
A. Before the Polls Open
3. Examine The Ballot Box
This is the poll watcher's primary duty before the polls open.
An election judge will open the ballot box or the tabulator in order so that the poll watcher (or any member of the public) can examine the ballot box/tabulator. The poll watcher is looking for ballots left in the ballot box/tabulator.
The poll watcher is not allowed to touch the ballot box or the tabulator, but can ask the election judge for reasonable accommodation to move something in order to complete the examination.
Precincts That Use Electronic Tabulation Optical Scan Technology (Tabulators)
In precincts that use electronic precinct tabulation optical scan technology scanning, poll watchers will also check the tabulator to be sure the counter is set to zero.
The poll watcher will note the serial number of the tabulator. If the serial number is not visible, the poll watcher will ask for the assistance of the election judge in locating and reading the serial number.
The poll watcher is also to check the seal on the tabulator to see that the seal is affixed and not broken.
If the seal is not visible, the poll watcher will ask assistance of the election judge to locate the seal.
The poll watcher will check the serial number against the number on the seal to see that they correspond.
Reporting to the Poll Watcher Team
If the poll watching team gave the poll watcher a specific serial number and seal number to check for that precinct, the poll watcher will text to the poll watching team that the numbers do or do not correspond.
If, on the other hand, the poll watcher was given a list of serial numbers and their corresponding seal numbers, the poll watcher will text to the poll watching team which machine is used in the precinct.
If the tabulator is not on the list of tabulator that has passed public testing, the poll watcher team should be informed immediately. The poll watching team will decided whether an objection will be made.
An objection which can take tabulator out of service should be made before the polls open. If that is not possible, as close to the opening of the polls as possible.