Observer Guidelines
Adopted January 17, 2018
Because it is
necessary to maintain order and efficiency during the testing of equipment and tabulation
of ballots, as well as during deliberations of the Canvassing Board, the following
guidelines have been established for observers of the election process.
● Entrance
to the Data Acquisition and Reporting Center (DARC) is dictated by space constraints,
as determined by the Canvassing Board. Party computer experts (one per party) have
priority. Additional seats may be distributed on a first-come, first-served
basis.
● Observers
admitted to the DARC are requested to sign in and to identify the candidate or organization
they represent.
● Observers
are required to obtain an observer badge. Observer badges must be worn and visible
at all times while in the DARC.
● While
observing the process, observers must remain within specified observer areas.
● Use
of cell phones is permitted by observers, except for voice calls or other activity that is deemed to be disruptive to the normal operation of the canvassing board or that could compromise the integrity of the process.
● Observers
may not ask questions or address election staff during testing, tabulation of ballots
or any other activity.
● Observers
may not ask questions or address canvassing board members during board deliberations.
● Copies
of documents produced in response to public records requests must be picked up at
SOE Administration on the seventh floor of the Terrace Building where proper payment
and receipts can be provided.