Canvassing Board Observer Guidelines
Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections
Adopted February 24, 2010
Because it is necessary to maintain order and efficiency during the testing of equipment
and tabulation of ballots during an election, as well as the deliberations of the Canvassing Board,
the following guidelines have been established for all observers of the election process.
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Observers are requested to sign in and identify the candidate or organization represented.
- Observers are required to obtain an observer badge.Observer badges are available on a first-come,
first-served basis.
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While observing the process, observers must remain within specified observer areas.
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Use of cell phones is not permitted by observers.
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Observers may not ask questions or address election staff during testing, tabulation
of ballots or any other activity.
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Observers may not ask questions or address canvassing board members during board deliberations.
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All questions to the board must be submitted in writing to the chair when the board is in session.
The chair may designate specified intervals for receiving/addressing written questions.
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When the board is not in session, questions may be submitted by email to the board in care of
the supervisor of elections.
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The canvassing board has the right to eject any observer who is loud or disruptive.
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Entrance to the Data Acquisition and Reporting Center (DARC) is dictated by space
constraints. Party computer experts (one per party) have priority. The
other seats are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Copies of documents produced in response to public records requests must be picked
up at SOE Administration on the 7th floor of the Terrace Building where proper
payment and receipts can be provided.