Chapter 2 — Basic Poll Watcher Rights & Responsibilities.
2.A. Poll Watcher Requirements.
2.A.3. Credentialed.
2.A.3.d. Presenting Credentials.
A poll watcher must present their credentials to a Election Judge upon entering the Polling Place.
At 5:00a.m. Election Day, upon entering the Polling Place, Election Judges may be a bit distracted with their own responsibilities to accept the poll watcher's credential at that moment. Election judges may not have the poll watcher's sign-in sheet ready.
Have your poll watcher credentials ready to present to the Election Judge upon entering the Polling Place, even if they are not ready for you.
If you are poll watching on Election Day at a Polling Place with multiple precincts, present a separate credential for each precinct to an Election Judge representing that precinct.
You may present multiple credentials but sign only one sign-in sheet depending upon the practice of that Polling Place.
2.A.3.d.1. What If the Election Judge Isn't Ready?
Have your credentials ready before you enter the Polling Place.
When the Election Judge is ready, present your credentials and sign in. Sign in with the time you entered the Polling Place.
Before the Polls Open.
While waiting to enter the Polling Place or immediately upon entering, tell the Election Judges, "I have my credentials, when you are ready for them."
You can continue with your own poll watcher activities while you are waiting to present your credentials.
NOTE: You have to present your credentials before the polls open.
Ten minutes before the polls open, if you still have not presented your credentials, insist that an Election Judge accept your credentials as required by the law.
While the Polls Are Open.
If you enter the Polling Place while the polls are open, remain at the sign-in table until you present your credentials. Try to stay out of people's way.