No campaigning. Are police present? Each observer carries a checklist of questions, which he or she consults as the first votes come in. Copyright 2020 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. No intimidating, harassing or attempting to influence voters or precinct election officials. Anyone can be an election observer in California, but they are often partisan volunteers supplied by campaigns or political parties. Stalf said the most common violation he saw was campaigning in prohibited areas. The role of an observer is to observe the election process and, as appropriate, ask procedural questions of election officials, challenge the eligibility of individual voters or the manner in which votes are counted, and lodge protests with election officials. The Republican National Committee's effort to recruit thousands of poll watchers, which they're calling an "Army for Trump," has caught the attention of California election officials. It is absolutely essential because normally you will hear after an election, a pronouncement that says this election observer group says the election was free, fair or credible. There are also laws governing what election observers can wear: nothing with political messaging, which is considered an illegal form of electioneering. Some unions, for example, do not allow candidates to act as their own observers or require that an observer must be a member of the union. Third, observe the elections at the polling stations on the day of voting. Observers should remain in areas designated for observers when serving in their official capacity so as not to interfere with voters or the election process. div#block-eoguidanceviewheader .dol-alerts p {padding: 0;margin: 0;} International election observation can assess whether an election is in line with international standards, highlight specific recommendations for improvement, and demonstrate the support of the international community for genuine democratic elections. Those who don't could be removed. All contents © 2020 The Slate Group LLC. Burke said while mistakes happen – his wife once had to vote a provisional ballot despite voting at the same location for years – the problems are not widespread. "You’re not the spokesperson.". [CDATA[/* >