Poll watchers, sometimes referred to as "election observers," are individuals who may observe steps in the election process. Each state has its own laws and procedures on when and where observers can be present, as well as who can observe the election. Poll watchers may be members of organizations such as a political party or nonpartisan group, candidate representatives, international observers, exit polling groups, academics or relevant federal and state agencies. Some states also allow members of the public to view election processes in person, though these rules also vary.
The role of a poll watcher is to observe and monitor the election, without violating voter privacy or disrupting the election. Poll watchers are different from challengers, though in some jurisdictions, poll watchers may challenge the eligibility of voters or the validity of ballots. The following websites provide some example guidance from national, state-level, and local jurisdictions.
National
EAC: Election Observers Overview
EAC: Quick Start Guide on Poll Watchers
Carter Center: Who Can Observe U.S. Elections?
National Association of Secretaries of State: State Laws on Authorized Poll Watchers & Voter
National Conference of State Legislatures: State Poll Watcher Qualifications Policies
National Conference of State Legislatures: State Policies on Election Observation
State
Alabama: Poll Watchers Guide
Alaska: Guide for Poll Watchers
Arizona: Guidance on Polling Place Conduct
District of Columbia: Poll Watchers
Georgia: Poll Watcher Training Manual
Hawaii: Poll Watchers Factsheet
Iowa: Poll Watchers Guide
Kansas: A Guide to Poll Agent Rules
Louisiana: Poll Watchers
Maryland: Instructions and Information for Challengers, Watchers, and Other Election Observers
Mississippi: General Guidelines Pertaining to Poll Watchers
New Mexico: Election Challengers, Watchers & Observers Information
North Carolina: Tips for Monitoring or Observing the Election at Polling Sites
Ohio: Being an Election Observer: Things to Know
Pennsylvania: Guidance Concerning Poll Watchers and Authorized Representatives
South Dakota: Poll Watcher and Observers Guidelines
Texas: Poll Watchers Guide
Wisconsin: Election Observers
Local
Arlington County, VA: Guidelines for Candidates and Political Parties Regarding Poll Watchers, Outside Poll Workers, and Placement of Political Signs
Chicago, IL: All About Poll Watchers: Rights & Responsibilities
Denver, CO: Poll Watchers Information Packet
Duval County, FL: Poll Watchers
Hamilton County, TN: Poll Watcher Guidelines
Jefferson County, WA: Election Observer’s Guide
Multnomah County, OK: Opportunities for Observation
New York City, NY: Poll Watchers Guide
Orange County, CA: Handbook for Election Observer Guidelines
Ravalli County, MT: Guidance to Election Officials in Regard to Official Poll Watchers and Election Observers