Pennsylvania law provides for party- and candidate-appointed poll watchers and authorized representatives to officially observe key election processes. Poll watchers, who must be registered voters of the county, observe election day happenings at polling locations. Authorized representatives observe other processes, such as the Board of Elections’ pre-canvass of absentee and mail-in ballots, post-election canvass and certification, and determinations regarding provisional ballots. "DOS Poll Watching."
Authorized representatives of the political parties and candidates are permitted to observe both the pre-canvass and canvass of absentee and mail-in ballots. 25 P.S. §§ 3146.8(g)(1.1), (2). Only one authorized representative from each political party and candidate is permitted to be in the room at a time. 25 P.S. § 3146.8(g)(1.1), (2). No person observing is permitted to disclose the results of any portion of the pre-canvass prior to the close of polls. 25 P.S. § 3146.8(g)(1.1).
Authorized representatives are chosen by political parties and candidates, respectively. Unlike poll watchers, authorized representatives do not need to be a registered voter of the county. "DOS Poll Watching."
There are no provisions allowing for the public or non-partisan observers to participate in this process. 25 P.S. § 3146.8(g).
Party- and candidate-appointed poll watchers are permitted to observe the voting process on Election Day as well as the poll close procedures on election night.
Each political party is entitled to appoint three poll watchers for each election district in which they have candidates on the ballot. 25 P.S. § 2687(a). Similarly, each candidate is entitled to appoint two poll watchers for each election district in which the candidate is on the ballot. 25 P.S. § 2687(a). Only one poll watcher from each party or candidate may be present in the polling place at any one time. 25 P.S. § 2687(b). Poll watchers may observe the election process prior to the opening of polls and may stay until after polls close and the district register and voting check list is locked and sealed. 25 P.S. § 2687(b). Poll watchers may observe the on-site tabulation of ballots on voting machines after polls close. 25 P.S. § 2687(b). While observing, poll watchers must stay outside of the enclosed space and not interfere with voting. 25 P.S. § 2687(b).
Poll watchers must be a registered voter of the county in the election district they are appointed to. 25 P.S. § 2687(b).
There are no provisions allowing for the public or non-partisan observers to observe the voting and on-site tabulation done at polling locations on Election Day.
Any political party or group of citizens is entitled to appoint registered voters or attorneys as watchers (authorized representatives) to attend and observe County Board of Elections meetings. 25 P.S. § 2650(a). Likewise, interested candidates, attorneys, and watchers may be present to observe when the County Board of Elections meets to canvass and certify election results. 25 P.S. §§ 2650(a), (b). However the County Board of Elections may limit the number present at any one time. 25 P.S. §§ 2650(a), 3154.