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In-Person Election Observation Guidelines

(COVID-19 Emergency Procedures)

 

  1. Due to COVID-19 precautions and limited physical distancing, in-person observation may be limited at any time due to space considerations. All observers should be following CDC and County Health guidelines to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms.

 

  1. Election observers must wear a face covering if unvaccinated and maintain personal space to avoid overcrowding.

 

  1. Election observers must wear an identification badge.

 

  1. Election observers must not touch any voting materials or equipment (EC §§ 15104, 15204).

 

  1. Election observers may not sit at any designated official table (EC §Sec. 14223(a)).

 

  1. The use of force, violence, tactic of coercion or intimidation to compel a person to vote or refrain from voting at any election is a felony punishable by imprisonment in state prison for up to three years (EC § 18540).

 

  1. Attempting to ascertain the identity and ballot choices of a voter or having observed or learned the identity of a voter, attempting to ascertain the ballot choices of that voter is strictly prohibited (EC § 18562.5).

 

  1. Damaging or tampering with voting equipment or official election materials is a felony, punishable by imprisonment in state prison for up to 4 years (EC § 18564).

 

  1. Post-election activities at the tally center are open to public observation but no interference is allowed. Individual signatures CANNOT be challenged; however, an observer may challenge the procedure used to verify a signature. Interference with the election and canvass is punishable by imprisonment in state prison for up to three years (EC § 18502).

 

  1. Talking in loud voices, disruptive behavior, which causes confusion or the congregating of a large number of people, is not permitted. Onsite telephones or other non-designated facilities are not available for the use of observers including but not limited to the restrooms. Observers may use the public restrooms on the 2nd floor of our facility.

 

  1. Election observers may not use cellular phones, pagers, two-way radios, or recording devices during the election observation process. Phone calls will only be permitted outside of the front lobby doors.

 

  1. The use or disclosure of voter registration information for any personal, private, or commercial purpose, including for any of the following: (a) the harassment of a voter or voter's household; (b) the advertising, solicitation, sale, or marketing of products or services to a voter or voter's household; or (c) reproduction in print, broadcast visual or audio, or display on the Internet is strictly prohibited.