Poll Observer Training with the Maine Dems Voter Access Team

Poll Observers are the eyes and ears of the Voter Access Team on Election Day. When a machine goes down, a line runs long, or a voter is turned away, we only know about it because someone in the room told us. That is how we respond in time to fix it. Training is required to be a Democratic Poll Observer, and it takes less than an hour. Every session covers the same material, so you only need to attend one. ### What you'll learn - What you can and cannot do inside a polling place, and what your standing as a pollwatcher actually is - How Election Day unfolds hour by hour, what to check on arrival, and how to observe the absentee canvass - Where poll workers most often get registration and identification wrong, including why a student ID answers identity but not residence - The issues that come up most often, from students and New Mainers to how a challenge actually works - How to use LBJ, our reporting tool, and why it matters to log the problem you solved yourself - What to do in rare situations, including evacuations and federal law enforcement near or in the polls ### Pick any session Sessions run online from September 15 through October 30. ### What happens next The week before Election Day, we will assign you to a polling place and give you the contact numbers you need for the day. ### Who can attend Anyone interested, 18 or older. You do not need to be a Maine resident. Questions? Email the Maine Democratic Party Voter Access Team at votersupport@mainedems.org.