In accordance with Florida Statute 101.131 , each political party and each candidate may have one poll watcher in each voting location or early voting area at any one time during an election to observe the election process to see if any violation of the election laws occurs. A political committee formed to support a side on an issue that's in the ballot may have a poll watcher. If a violation occurs, the poll watcher is to refer the violation to the clerk of the election board. 

No candidate or law enforcement officer can be a poll watcher.

Poll watchers must be designated on the appropriate form submitted and submitted to the Supervisor of Elections for approval in advance.

A poll watcher should not be confused with a poll worker, sometimes called an election worker. Election workers are also assigned and trained by the Elections Office to operate the polling place during an election. If you are interested in serving as an election worker, please visit the Election Worker Information page and complete the Online Election Worker Application Form.

For more information about the process of becoming a poll watcher and guidelines for poll watchers, please browse the links below: 

• Florida Statute 101.131
• Poll Watcher Designation Form and Instructions  
• Poll Watcher Designation Form and Instructions (MS Excel) 
• Florida Statute 101.111 
• Voter Challenges Reference Guide  
• Florida Statute 101.23 
• Florida Statute 102.031
• Florida Division of Elections Opinion 12-13  
• Election Integrity Information

 

Canvassing board meetings are open to the general public. During each meeting of the county canvassing board, each political party and each candidate may have one observer able to view ballots being examined, pursuant to 102.141(2)(a), Florida Statutes. See the Canvassing Board page for more information.

Access to ballot materials pursuant to 101.572(2), Florida Statutes, may be requested by those qualified to receive access. To request access, please contact our office in writing. Access requests must contain the following information: Full name; proof of eligibility to receive access; and the specific materials requested. Requests should be made at least 5 business days in advance (excluding Saturday, Sunday, and holidays).