Become an Election Challenger or Watcher

Maryland law permits designated individuals to serve as challengers and watchers on Election Day. Accredited challengers and watchers are election observers with access to vote centers and same-day voter registration on Election Day. They represent candidates, recognized political parties, and proponents and opponents of ballot issues.

Qualifications

Challengers and watchers must have a certificate completed by one of the following:

• The Maryland State Board of Supervisors of Elections.
• A local board of elections (Montgomery County or City of Rockville).
• A candidate, including filed write-in candidates.
• Any other group of voters supporting or opposing a candidate, principle, or proposition on the ballot.

Rights

Challengers and watchers have the right to:

• Be in the vote center at least 30 minutes before it opens.
• Be in the vote center at any time between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
• Be present during the completion of all tasks associated with closing the vote center, provided they arrived before closing. Note: Election judges are not required to position a challenger or watcher where they can view ballot marking stations.
• Challenge a voter’s identity. Note: Election judges have the discretion to delay a challenge request during peak voting times if the vote center is too busy and then comply with the request during non-peak voting times.

Restrictions

Challengers and watchers cannot attempt to:

• Find out how a voter voted or intends to vote.
• Talk with any voter in the vote center.
• Move around 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 device in the vote center.