Poll Watching

A poll watcher is a person who has official permission to be at the polling place on election day to observe the election process and to challenge voters that the poll watcher believes is not qualified to vote.

Poll watchers may represent:

  • Candidates whose names appear on the ballot
  • Political parties and organizations
  • In all elections other than primary and general elections, groups opposing or supporting approval of questions on the ballot

For more information, please read the documents below.

Poll Watcher's Guide

Poll Watcher's brochure

Poll Watcher Designation Form (interactive form)

If you have any questions regarding poll watching, please call (515) 382-7210. For additional information, visit the Secretary of State's website.