- City Government
- Voting & Elections
- Challengers & Watchers
Challengers & Watchers
Maryland law permits properly designated individuals to serve as Challengers and/or Watchers on Election Day. Accredited Challengers and/or Watchers are election observers who have access to Vote Center, Same Day Voter Registration on Election Day.
Challengers and/or Watchers represent candidates, recognized political parties, or proponents and opponents of ballot issues. To be an accredited Challenger and/or Watcher, an individual must have a certificate completed by one of the following persons or entities:
- The State Board of Supervisors of Elections
- Local Board of Elections (County or City Clerk’s Office)
- A candidate (including filed Write-In candidates)
- Any other group of voters supporting or opposing a candidate, principle, or proposition on the ballot
A Challenger and/or Watcher Has the Right to:
- Be in the Vote Center at least 1/2 hour before it opens.
- Be in the Vote Center at any time during the hours of 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Be in the Vote Center during the completion of all tasks associated with closing the center; provided they are present prior to the closing of the center.
- The Judge is not required to place a Challenger and/or Watcher where they can view Ballot Marking Stations.
- Challenge a voter’s identity.
- Judges have the discretion to determine if the Vote Center is too busy at the time of a request and then comply with the request during non-peak voting times.
- Judges have the discretion to determine if the Vote Center is too busy at the time of a request and then comply with the request during non-peak voting times.
A Challenger and/or Watcher Cannot Attempt to:
- Find out how a voter voted or intends to vote.
- Talk with any voter in the Vote Center.
- Move about the Vote Center during voting hours.
- Assist any voter in voting.
- Interfere with the election process or impede a voter’s access to an Election Judge.
- Physically handle an original election document.
- Use a cell phone, laptop, pager, or other electronic equipment in the Vote Center.
Still have questions? Contact:
City Clerk / Director of Council Operations


City Clerk / Director of Council Operations
240-314-8286
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850
Rockville, MD 20850
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.