Chapter 9 – Assisted Voting

1. Requesting Assistance

Poll watchers should be aware of the option available for voters needing assistance.

The voter must declare their need for assistance voting and must sign an affidavit.

A voter cannot receive assistance unless the voter declares a need for assistance and signs the affidavit.

The voter has the option of assistance from two election judges from different parties or the assistance from someone whom the voter names.

If the voter chooses their own assistant, that assistant will be given written instructions on how assistance shall be provided, including penalties. The assistant is also required sign an oath to not influence the vote.

Remember: Poll watchers are not interested in preventing a voter from receiving assistance to vote. The poll watcher is only concerned that undue influence is placed upon a voter requiring assistance.

2. Poll Watchers

Poll watchers can accompany election judges assisting a voter.

The poll watcher's only reason to be there is to see that the voter's instructions are carried out in full.

Poll watchers should also do their best to station themselves where they cannot see the ballot of other voters.

Providing That the Secrecy of the Ballot Is Not Impinged

When a poll watcher accompanies election judges to assist a voter, it is probable that the poll watcher will learn the content of the ballot.

There is no way around it, but a poll watcher can mitigate the observation to maintain the secrecy of the ballot:
• Make no reaction. What the voter votes is none of your business. The poll watcher's only job is to make sure that vote is recorded accurately.
• Any discussion of the vote which takes place in your presence is also to be ignored.
  Unless, that is discussion is meant to influence the voter, then you challenge it to the election judge.
• All instructions to the voter are to be made by the election judge[s].
• All voter questions are directed to the election judge[s] and are to be answered by the election judge[s].
• If the voter has a questions about the vote, the poll watcher is there to make sure the election judge's answer is non-partisan.
• If the voter has a question about a ballot initiative, the poll watcher is there to make sure the election judge's answer does not give information beyond what is printed on the ballot, or if there is a state provided voter guide available, the election judge reads from that guide to answer the question.
• Once the vote is accurately recorded on the ballot, forget it. You are now part of the secrecy of the vote. You cannot discuss the vote nor can comment on it.
• All challenges are made to the election judge[s]. Poll watchers do not challenge the voter.

To demonstrate to the poll watcher the importance of protecting the secrecy of the vote, this section is repeated at Chapter 2E, #4b, Providing That the Secrecy of the Ballot Is Not Impinged.

3. Assistance From Two Election Judges

If the voter does not name an assistant, two judges of different parties can assist the voter.

4. Assistance From Someone Other Than Election Judges

The voter can choose their own assistant.

Both the voter and the assistant must sign the assistance affidavit.

The assistant cannot be:
• The voter's employer or agent of the voter's employer.
• An agent of the voter's union.
• A candidate on the ballot, unless the voter requesting assistance is a relation to the candidate, such as:
  • spouse,
  • parent,
  • child, or
  • sibling.

5. Who May Not Receive Assistance

Voters who are not blind, do not have another physical disability, who can read English, and/or are who are intoxicated cannot receive assistance.