Chapter 2 — Basic Poll Watcher Rights & Responsibilities
2.C. The Lay of the Land, The Polling Place and Central Counting Facility
2.C.5. Ballot Box/Tabulator Area
2.C.5.a. Poll Watcher Access To the Ballot Box/Tabulator Area.
Like the voting booth area, poll watchers, who have extraordinary access within the Polling Place have limited access to the ballot box/tabulator area.
The restriction is based on the poll watcher's ability to read the ballot as it is cast.
If you can read the ballot, you are too close.
If a voter is near or approaching the ballot box/tabulator, the poll watcher should step away.
There is no restriction by foot, yard, or meter on how close a poll watcher can get to the ballot box/tabulator, any restriction is based on the poll watcher's ability to read the ballot.
2.C.5.a.1. Only an Election Judge Can Assist or Instruct the Voter at the Ballot Box/Tabulator.
The Election Judge will instruct & assist the voter at the ballot box/tabulator. A poll watcher cannot.
If a voter asks for help, even for something as simple as, "Which way do I put the ballot in the tabulator?", a poll watcher's standard reply should be, "An Election Judge will be with you, shortly."
If the voter objects, the poll watcher should answer, "I'm sorry. I am a poll watcher. An Election Judge can help you."
2.C.5.a.2. Checking the Ballot Box/Tabulator
When a voter is not present at the ballot box/tabulator, the poll watcher can check the area for electioneering material, obstructions, and error messages.