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.
    

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.

Apply to Become a Challenger or Watcher