Here’s how to be an election observer and contact the Election Protection Hotline if you witness a problem at the polls or have voting-related questions.
Be an election observer
An election observer, also called a “poll watcher,” is a person who observes and documents the election process to make sure our elections are secure. Wisconsin allows election observers at a municipal clerk’s office during in-person absentee voting, at a polling place on Election Day, at a central counting location, and at a recount.
Election observers must check in with the election officials and complete the sign-in procedure and follow official instructions upon arrival. This can include presenting a photo ID, and providing your name and address, and organization, if any, on an observer log.
Election observers must stay within an observation area, designated by the chief inspector, that is no less than three and no more than eight feet from the sign-in table. Election observers are allowed to observe the process as long as the total number of observers does not cause disruptions to voting.
Election observers can:
- Move between different observer areas
- Ask questions
- In some instances, challenge voters for cause
Election observers cannot interfere with the voting process or engage in other activities prohibited under state law, including:
- Electioneer
- Distribute election-related material
- Disrupt voters or election officials
- Make audio or visual communications
Who can be an election observer in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin allows any member of the public to oversee elections, as long as you are not a candidate on the ballot. While there are no official application or training requirements to serve as an election observer in Wisconsin, it’s recommended to volunteer through an organization that provides training and resources to help you understand the law, know your role, and be prepared to document any issues you observe.
The Wisconsin League of Women Voters hosts an Election Observer Program that provides training and can assign volunteers to polling locations across the state.
See a problem? Report it to the Election Protection Hotline
If you see or experience voter suppression, voting issues, or have voting-related questions, call the Election Protection Hotline:
- English: 1-866-OUR-VOTE / 1-866-687-8683
- Spanish: 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA / 1-888-839-8682
- Arabic: 1-844-YALLA-US / 1-844-925-5287
- For Bengali, Cantonese, Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, or Vietnamese: 1-888-274-8683
Other ways to get involved at the polls in Wisconsin:
Poll workers are paid and trained local government workers who assist with running local elections. Click here to learn more.
Are you ready to vote?
Use the UpNorthNews Voter Guide to verify your registration status, find your polling place, and access key voting information.
