2022 Voter Protection Troubleshooting Guide

Abbreviations Department of State Guidance

All Guidance available at: www.dos.pa.gov/VotingElections/OtherServicesEvents/Pages/Election-

adminstration-Tools.aspx

BoE =Board of Elections

DOS - Absentee and Mail-in Ballot Procedures (2020)
BR = Boiler Room
DoS = Dep’t of State
ID = Identification DOS - Accessibility (Elderly & Handicapped)
JoE = Judge of Elections
DOS - College Students (2022)

DOS - Election Law Statutory Reference Guide (2021)

DOS - Electronic Voting (2011)

DOS - Electronic Voting System Preparation (2020)

DOS - Emergency Paper Ballots (2008)

DOS - Poll Watchers (2020)

DOS - Rules in Effect at Polls (2016)

DOS - Voter ID Requirements (2015)

DOS - Voter Intimidation (2016)

DOS - Voter Privacy (2020)

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
Opening 1. Polling place not n/a • Look up polling place on BoE website.
there. • If polling place is still listed at that address, call Boiler Room.
Polls

• If polling place not listed at that address / has moved, work to post signs (if
possible), advise voters to go to new polling place, and report via LBJ.
Opening Opening

2. Voting before 7 am Election Board should arrive at polls by 6:30am, but no voting • If voting starts before 7AM, count number of voters who voted and call Boiler
before 7am. Room.
Polls

25 P.S. § 3045
3. Few or no Each election district should have enough emergency paper ballots • Ask JoE re: emergency paper ballots. If not enough, report on LBJ.
Click
emergency paper for 20% of the registered voters in the district. • If emergency ballots are low – before they are about to run out, call Boiler Room.
Polls

Here
ballots are available. DOS - Emergency Paper Ballots (2008), updated in Act 12 (2020)
4. Poll not open at 7 Election Board should arrive at polls by 6:30am, but no voting • If open by 7:05 am, and no voters leave before voting, report in LBJ for awareness
am before 7am. but mark as resolved.
Opening

25 P.S. § 3045 • If polls not open by 7:05am and/or voters are leaving: Try to get names and phone
numbers of voters who leave before voting. If they don’t provide their information,
Polls

count the number of them.

• If polls still not open after 7:05 or more than 3 voters have left, call Boiler Room.
• Note what time they open in LBJ report.
Opening

5. Vacancy of JoE or Procedures for appointing substitutes are located in 25 P.S. § 3048 • Call Boiler Room.
Inspector not filled by • Report in LBJ if other poll workers not present.
Polls

7:30 am • If a curbside election is being run (can happen at 7:01), do not interfere.
6. Unauthorized • Only election officers, clerks, machine inspectors, overseers, • Your personal safety should be the first concern. If you feel unsafe, find a safe
persons in polling watchers, persons in the course of voting, persons lawfully giving location and call Boiler Room.
place assistance to voters, and constables or deputy constables, when • Inform JoE and encourage JoE to address and remove unauthorized persons.
permitted, are allowed in the polling place. No candidates, media • JoE can summon law enforcement if necessary. Only encourage this in extreme
Unauthorized

or committee-people. circumstances.
Click
25 P.S. § 3060 • If Dem Committeeperson on hand, inform that person as well.
Persons

Here
• One poll watcher per party AND one poll watcher per candidate • Document and report on LBJ.
may be inside at any time. Watchers must remain at least six feet • If you feel unsafe or believe that others are unsafe, call Boiler Room.
from the area where voting is occurring.
DOS - Rules in Effect at Polls (2016) and Guidance Concerning Poll
Watchers
7. Mechanical • If a voting system is inoperable, it should be repaired or another • Call Boiler Room if a machine is not operating by 7:05 am.
problems with the machine substituted ASAP. • Report on LBJ any machine problem, including the time the problem is reported by
voting machine, • If 50% of machines are inoperable, then paper ballots must be an official and the time the machine is repaired.
Voting Machine

including vote flipping used. • If paper/ provisional ballots are not being used, encourage JoE to do so. Also
Malfunction

(improper recording of • Each polling place should have enough emergency paper ballots encourage to call BOE to ask for more before supply gets low.
Click
the candidate chosen). for 20% of the registered voters. • Don't let voters who have not voted leave polling place without getting names and
Here
• If emergency ballots are not available, provisional ballots may be cell phone no's. If cannot get this information, at least count them.
used, but they must be clearly identified and treated as regular
ballots (not provisional ones) by having JoE write “EMERGENCY
BALLOT” clearly on the top of the ballot.
25 P.S. § 3031.20(b); DOS - Directive on Electronic Voting

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
8. Voter’s name does • If name isn’t in poll book or in any supplemental book and not • Look up voter’s name in PAVOTES.com.
not appear in poll book found in county computer system, voter may cast provisional • If law/DOS guidance is not followed and/or supplemental poll book not available,
Situations

ballot. report on LBJ with the voter’s name and cell phone number if possible.
Click
• If name is found in SURE, voter should vote a regular ballot; poll • Ask JoE to permit voter to cast provisional ballot.
Voter

Here
worker should write the voter’s name in the back of the poll book. • Encourage voter to cast a provisional voter.
• If JoE refuses to permit voter to cast provisional ballot, call Boiler Room
• Try to get voter's name and cell number before they leave.
9. Voter has moved Voter must sign affirmation of change of address, but then votes a • Voter can cast a regular ballot on machine.
Situations

w/in precinct but still regular ballot. • Poll worker retains affirmation.
Click
registered at former 25 Pa.C.S. § 1902(a)(1) • Report any problems via LBJ.
Voter

Here
address. (May arise as
challenge or voter Q)
10. Voter moved out of Voter must sign affirmation of change of address, may vote one • Voter can cast regular ballot on machine.
precinct but within final time at former polling place and still votes a regular ballot. • Poll worker retains affirmation.
county and still 25 Pa.C.S. § 1902(a)(2), (b) • Report any problems via LBJ.
Situations

registered at old
Click
address. Voter
Voter

Here
returned to prior
polling place in old
precinct. (May arise as
challenge or voter Q)
11. Voter moved out of • Ideally, voter should return to old precinct to vote. • If voter has time (and is likely to go), send to old polling place. If you do not believe
county and still • If voter cannot return to old precinct and can only vote at new that the voter will return to the former voting place, have them vote provisionally.
Situations

registered at former polling location, then voter must vote on provisional ballot. (If Report any problems via LBJ.
Voter

address. Voter went to voter cast provisional ballot in new district, only votes on common
new precinct polling candidates/issues are counted.)
place
12. Inactive voter A voter listed as inactive can regain active status by filing an • Encourage voter to sign affirmation and vote a REGULAR ballot.
Situations

affirmation at the poll that s/he either has moved or still lives at • Report any problems via LBJ.
the previous address & proceed as an active voter & cast a regular
Voter

ballot.
25 Pa.C.S. §§ 1901-1902
13. Voter returned A voter who voted an absentee or mail-in ballot will be identified as • This voter should not be permitted to cast a ballot.
Situations

mail ballot to BOE and such on the poll books and is not eligible to vote at the polling • Report any problems via LBJ.
Click
wants to vote at polls – place.
Voter

Here
does not believe vote 25 Pa.S. §§ 3146.6(b); 3150.16(b); DOS – Absentee and Mail-in
rejected Ballot Procedures (2020)
14. Voter voted mail • If the voter believes that they have not returned or cast the ballot • Encourage voter to vote a provisional ballot.
Situations

ballot and present at successfully or otherwise contests their ballot status, the poll • If voter is not permitted to vote a provisional ballot, get name and contact
Click
polls – believes vote worker shall provide the voter a provisional ballot. information and call Boiler Room.
Voter

Here
was rejected • A voter may be issued a provisional ballot if their vote was
rejected.

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance
Situations 15. Voter requested If the voter is not shown as having voted, and voter does not bring
mail ballot and did not absentee/mail-in ballot and declaration envelope with them to the
Voter
vote it – does not bring polls, they are permitted to vote a provisional ballot.
to poll. 25 Pa.S. §§ 3146.6(b); 3150.16(b); cross-reference 1210(A)(4)(1)
16. Voter requested If the voter is not shown as having voted and voter has
mail ballot and did not absentee/mail-in ballot and declaration envelope with them at
Situations
vote it – brings to poll. polls, they must (a) surrender the ballot and the envelope
containing the declaration and (b) sign a statement saying they
Voter
have not voted that that ballot and receive and vote a REGULAR
ballot.
25 Pa.S. §§ 3146.6(b); 3150.16(b)
17. Voter challenge Only permissible challenges:
• identity (not the person they say they are),
• residence (not living in the county), or
• failure to comply w/ procedural requirements re: voting process
25 P.S. §3050(d)
Voter is presumed qualified; must be allowed to vote if in poll
book.
• Only qualified voters, election officers, certified poll watchers, or
overseers may challenge a voter.
• Voter’s eligibility to register (e.g. citizenship) is not a valid
challenge.
• Challenges for lack of eligibility to register are illegal voter
intimidation. DOS – Voter Intimidation (2016)
Situations
• JoE must decide if there is good faith basis and must not permit
Voter
routine or frivolous challenges not supported with stated good
faith basis.
• Challenges must be resolved to the JoE’s satisfaction, not to that
of the challenger. If the JoE is satisfied, the voter should vote
normally.
• If JoE cannot, in good faith, determine residency or identity, voter
may have a qualified precinct voter sign an affidavit vouching for ID
and/or residence. If affidavit is filed, voter must be permitted to
vote normally.
• A challenged voter who does not provide a witness must be given
a provisional ballot. (See Provisional Ballots # 16)
• Using lists from private returned mail to challenge voters is
illegal.
DOS - Rules in Effect at Polls (2016)
Observer Solutions Link
• Encourage voter to vote a provisional ballot.
• The voter must also sign an affidavit. Click
• Make sure JoE and voter is aware of procedures; if not being followed, call Boiler Here
Room.
• Voter votes a REGULAR ballot.
• If voter told to vote a provisional ballot, politely review law with JoE.
• If still told to vote a provisional ballot, call Boiler Room and obtain voter’s name and
Click
contact information.
Here
• If there is any challenge to a voter, call Boiler Room.
• Document the challenger’s stated basis for the challenge, and JoE's response, in LBJ.
• Respectfully remind the JoE of the rules in the DOS - Rules in Effect at Polls (2016)
guidance. Consider saying: "Election officials should be focused on helping people
vote, not preventing them from doing so. We should all continue to make sure that all
eligible voters can vote."
• Inside poll watchers should try to defend Dem voters. Also get contact info on voters
and/or direct voters to give to outside observers.
• Outside observers should explain to voters options for curing a challenge and get
contact info on voters who were challenged inside.
• Ensure that any challenged person who believes that s/he is an eligible voter is given
the opportunity to at least vote a provisional ballot. Consider saying to voter: "If for
any reason you’re told there’s an issue with your ballot, do not leave without voting at
all. At the least you should always ask to cast a provisional ballot to make sure your Click
vote is counted in this important election." Here
• Update comments via LBJ if witness is required but cannot be found.
• If this appears systemic, call Boiler Room.
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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
18. Voter asked for ID Generally, voters do not need to show photo identification at the • If voter is improperly asked for ID, politely review law with JoE.
polling place. Poll workers should not ask every voter for photo • Report on LBJ.
identification. • If non-first-time voters w/o ID required to cast provisional ballots, get name and cell
However, voters appearing for the FIRST time IN THE DISTRICT number for any voters (or at least count them) who don’t vote a regular ballot and call
must show a valid ID: Boiler Room.
Acceptable forms of ID include: • Document the scope of improper ID problem.
• Photo IDs: PA driver’s license or PennDOT ID card; ID issued by PA
Situations

or US gov’t/agency, US passport or Armed Forces ID; valid student Click

Voter

or employee ID Here
• Non-photo IDs: Voter registration card; ID issued by PA, a PA
agency, or US Gov’t; firearm permit; current bank statement or
utility bill, pay check, or gov’t check.
If a first-time voter cannot provide acceptable ID, they should cast
a provisional ballot and return to BOE within 6 days with
acceptable ID.
DOS – ID Requirements (2015)

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
19. Provisional ballots Provisional ballots are a last resort if all options to cast regular • Track how many provisional ballots are being issued and how long it takes to process
ballot are exhausted. each.
A voter should cast a provisional ballot ONLY when: • Note whether line length / wait time impacted by provisional ballots.
• Voter was issued an absentee or mail-in ballot and did not return • For first time voters, see 19.
the ballot and declaration envelope to the polling place to be • For voters who claim to be eligible, check that voter is in right polling place. Call
spoiled. Hotline at 833- PAVOTES (833-728-6837)
• Voter returned absentee or mail-in ballot that was rejected or • If voter is not permitted to cast either a regular ballot or a provisional ballot, get
voter believes will be rejected and voter believes they are eligible name and contact information and call Boiler Room.
to vote.
• Voter claims to be registered and eligible to vote in that district,
but name is not in poll book (incl. supplemental lists and computer
system) and workers cannot confirm
registration by calling BOE.
• First-time voter cannot present an approved form of ID.
Situations

• Voter’s ID is otherwise challenged by the JoE.

Click
• Voter presents a judicial order to vote.
Voter

Here
• Voting results from a court order extending time for closing the
polls.
• JoE refuses to permit voter to cast a regular ballot for some other
reason.
25 P.S. § 3050; DOS - Provisional Voting Guidance
Procedure: the voter must complete the section on the ballot
envelope labeled Voter Information, Voter Affidavit and Current
Address in front of election officials. The voter then receives and
marks the ballot, seals it in the secrecy envelope and places it in
the provisional ballot envelope.
First time voters who cast a provisional ballot because they lacked
approved ID should return to the BoE ASAP with their ID. The
deadline is within 6 days of the election.
Provisional ballot voters can check that votes were counted at 833-
VOTESPA (1-833-728-6837) or on www.votespa.com/provisional.
20. Voter leaves • Try to notify voter before they leave to return to the booth and • If there is a recurring problem, ask workers to post additional signs. See #3, above.
Situations

machine without complete voting. • Report on LBJ if workers don’t ask fleeing voters to return.
completing process of • If voter leaves polling place without completing process, 2 • Count and get voters’ names & numbers if possible
Voter

casting ballot (“fleeing election officials of different parties cancel that voter’s vote, and
voter”) keep record.

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
21. Distribution of • People more than 10 feet from polling place may distribute • Get a copy of literature, take a picture and submit on LBJ with additional information
misleading campaign voting guides & campaign literature. DOS – Voter Intimidation about the incident including whether within ten feet from polling place.
literature outside a (2020) • If electioneering occurs within 10 feet from polling place, ask JoE to limit behavior.
polling place (i.e., • “Polling place” can be a difficult line, and as long as it is being
wrong candidates, no applied in a uniform and reasonable way, accept determination of
identifiable source) JoE. For example, a polling place in a school gym may measure 10
feet from the door to the room or the door to the building.
Electioneering

• Disseminating false or misleading election information

Violations

constitutes voter intimidation.

• If authorized by a candidate, their authorized political committee
or agents, material must state that clearly and conspicuously. 25 P.
S. § 3258(a)
• If not authorized by candidate, committee or agents, material
must clearly and conspicuously state name of person who made or
financed communication, including, in the case of a political
committee, the name of any affiliated or connected organizations.
DOS – Voter Intimidation (2020); Guidance Concerning Poll
Watchers (2020)
22. Electioneering No person inside the polling place may electioneer or solicit votes, • If active electioneering occurs in polling place, ask JoE to limit behavior.
inside polling place and no written or printed electioneering material may be posted in • For Poll Observers: do not wear party gear. If another inside poll observer is wearing
the polling place. party gear, ask JoE to have the person remove it or cover it up.
25 P.S. § 3060(c); Guidance Concerning Poll Watchers (2020) • Report on LBJ.
• Voters at polling place to vote may wear clothing, buttons or hats • If electioneering is a repeated problem, call Boiler Room.
that demonstrate support for candidates but may not campaign for
Electioneering

them. JoE should tell voters to refrain from doing so while in polling
Click
Violations

place.
• Voters may bring literature into the polling place/booth if it will Here
assist them in voting, but it must be removed when the voter
leaves.
• Poll observers should also refrain from wearing partisan apparel
or buttons.
• Persons are NOT permitted to set up literature tables inside the
polling place.
DOS - Rules in Effect at Polls (2016)
23. Refusal to enforce Any election official who violates the oath of office shall be guilty of • Politely remind the JoE that these activities are not permitted and that they can
the law a misdemeanor. control the voting place. Do not mention criminal law.
Election
Officials

Examples: Permitting illegal assistance, destroying official voting • Report via LBJ; if problems persist, call Boiler Room. Click
records, tampering with voting machines, driving away poll Here
watchers, allowing voter intimidation
25 P.S. § 3510
24. Illegal instruction Non-partisan instruction can be given, but only before curtain is • If you observe such behavior, advise the JoE of applicable law and report via LBJ. If
Election
Officials

Click
of voter closed. behavior persists, call Boiler Room.
Here
25 P.S. § 3056

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
25. Rules applicable to • One watcher per political party AND one per candidate can be • Politely discuss the law with the JoE, escalating to the Boiler Room as needed, first
Poll Watchers (Poll present in polling place from time election officers meet prior to via LBJ, in order to obtain access to the polling place.
Observers) opening polls until counting of votes is complete and voting check • Call Boiler Room if other poll watcher challenges any voter.
listlocked/sealed. • Do not challenge any voter unless the Boiler Room has approved the challenge in
• A watcher need not reside in the district in which appointed, but advance.
must be a registered voter in the same county.
• Watchers may keep lists of voters & challenge any voter as to
identity or residence.
• When no voters are in polling place, watcher may inspect voting
check list and either of 2 numbered lists of voters maintained by
the board.
• Watchers must remain a safe and respectful distance away from
Election
Officials

Click
polling booths.
Here
• Watchers may not engage, attempt to influence or intimidate
voters.
• Examples of voter intimidation may include:
o Photographing or videotaping voters
o Disseminating false or misleading election information
o Blocking the entrance to a polling place
o Confronting, hovering or directly speaking to or questioning
voters
o Asking voters for documentation
o Any threatening behavior
DOS Guidance Concerning Poll Watchers (2020); DOS Rules in Effect
at Polls (2016) & 25 PS § 2687
26. Voter assistance Voter is entitled to assistance if: • If JoE will not allow a voter to receive assistance because there is no notation in the
for older persons and • unable to read names on ballot or voting machine labels or to poll book that the voter is entitled to assistance, remind JoE of DOS guidance
individuals with read and understand ballot questions and other election material permitting the voter to execute a declaration of need for assistance at polling place.
disabilities because of blindness, disability or inability to read or write • If voter assistance offered by voter’s employee, union, or candidate, politely inform
• unable to see/mark ballot, operate voting machine or enter JoE of law.
voting booth wo/ assistance because of blindness, disability or • Report on LBJ and call Boiler Room if repeated.
inability to read/write
Election
Officials

• unable to read or write English sufficiently well to participate in Click

the electoral process, Here
• Disability is entered on voter registration card; OR
• elector completes declaration in polling place.
Voter may choose to be aided by any person other than his/her
employer, an officer or agent of his/her union, candidate whose
name appears on the ballot, or JoE.
Pa. C.S.A, § 1504(a); 42 USC §1973aa-6, 25, P.S. § 3058(b): and DOS
Accessibility

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
27. Intimidation and Any activity that threatens, harasses or intimidates voters outside • Your personal safety should be your first concern. If you feel safe enough to address
discriminatory conduct the polling place or inside the polling place is illegal. the situation, inform JoE that s/he can control the activities that occur within a polling
Intimidation may include (among other conduct): place or immediately outside of it and inform JoE of DOS guidance.
• Routine/frivolous challenges to voters without a stated good faith • Request that JoE take actions to stop the situation.
basis. • If the matter is resolved, report via LBJ.
• Challenges to voters based on claimed ineligibility to register to • If the matter is not resolved or if you feel unsafe or believe others are unsafe, call
vote. Boiler Room.
Intimidation

• Direct confrontation of voters or demands for ID when not • In the case of a real emergency, call 911.
required. Click
• Photographing/videotaping voters to intimidate. Here
Voter

• Using raised voices, insulting, offensive or threatening language,

or taunting inside polls.
• Disrupting voting lines or blocking entrances.
• Disseminating false/misleading election info.
• Verbal or physical confrontation of voters by persons in official
looking uniforms.
DOS Guidance on Voter Intimidation and Discriminatory Conduct
(2020)
28. Guns at the polling • PA law prohibits firearms in schools (18 P.S. 912) and courthouses See, generally, #28.
place (18 P.S. 913). Unless the polling place is on school property or in a • Your personal safety should be the first concern. If you feel unsafe, find a safe
court facility, properly carrying gun owners are allowed to open location and call Boiler Room.
carry guns into a polling place in counties other than PHL. • If gun owner appears by body language or words to be attempting to intimidate
• A voter with a legal right to carry firearm may not be precluded voters, remind JoE that s/he control the activities within a polling place, share DOS
from voting. guidance, and request that JoE act to stop the situation. Do this only if you feel safe in
• But certain behavior is illegal, such as individuals inside/outside doing so.
polling place who behave aggressively w/ firearm or ostentatiously • If in PHL, ask the JoE to request those with guns to produce license to carry. If
demonstrate that they are carrying and whose behavior “either is license is not produced, JoE should exclude person and report the issue to the BOE
intended to or has the effect of intimidating voters will be and you should call Boiler Room.
Intimidation

removed, and reported to the authorities for investigation and

prosecution." Click
• 18 PS §912 firearms prohibited in schools. Here
Voter

• 18 PS §913 firearms prohibited in court facilities.

• The PA Uniform Firearms Act (18 PS§§ 505, 506) does not allow
county BoEs to enact rules or regs prohibiting firearms in other
polls.
PHL gun laws differ from those in the rest of PA.
• In counties other than PHL, licenses are required to carry
concealed weapons, but not to carry openly.
• In PHL, concealed & open carry require a License to Carry
Firearms (LTCF)
DOS Guidance on Rules in Effect at the Polling Place on Election Day
(2016)

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
29. Police/peace Unless voting or called to keep peace by election officials, no police • If quiet and unobtrusive or temporary, report in LBJ as high priority.
officer presence at office in uniform or out, shall be within 100 ft of a polling place. • If noticeable and obtrusive, call Boiler Room.
polling place However, constables are permitted in a polling place to keep the • Do not try to handle this alone.
peace.
Intimidation

25 P.S. § 3047
Click
"Uniformed peace officers, such as constables or sheriffs, stationed
Here
Voter

in a polling place may have the effect of intimidating voters. The

Department recommends that counties balance the potentially
intimidating effect of uniformed constables in the polling place
with the need to preserve peace."
DOS Guidance on Rules in Effect at the Polling Place on Election Day
30. Voters attempting • Polls close at 8pm. 25 P.S. § 3045 • If there is a long line after 7pm, note this in LBJ.
to join the line after 8 • All qualified voters inside the polling place or in line outside the • If voters in line not permitted to vote, call Boiler Room.
pm Election officials polling place at 8pm shall be allowed to vote. 25 P.S. § 3060(e) • Inform voters in line of rights and urge to remain in line or risk their right to vote
Polls Closing

keeping polls open • A voter who leaves the line cannot return. after 8pm.
after 8 pm • Consider saying: "Turnout this year is high, which is great, but we expect elections to Click
be close so it’s incredibly important to make sure your voice is heard in this election. Here
The stakes are too high for any of us to sit this one out. You can cast your ballot as
long as you are in line by 8pm.”
• Get names and phones of (or at least count) those who leave without voting.

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
31. Counting the votes At the polling station, after the last voter has voted, the election • If you are an inside poll watcher, remain in the polling place to observe counting –
at the polling place officials must lock and seal each machine and sign a certificate only poll watchers, poll overseers, and election officials can remain after the polls
showing the number on the public counter. close.
• Poll watchers may watch inspectors’ work. 25 Pa. Stat. § 3067(a). • Ask election officials to read out the counter on voting machine to assure that
• If necessary to allow the counters to be seen, election officers machine hasn’t recorded more voters than number of people who have voted and
must open the machine. 25 Pa. Stat. § 3067(a). obtain a copy of the paper proof sheets from each machine.
• The vote as registered shall be entered by the election officers, in
ink, on duplicate return sheets, and also on a general return sheet
and statement, all of which, after the canvass is completed, shall be
signed by the election officers, the clerk, and certified by the
overseers, if any. If any election officer, clerk or overseer shall
refuse to sign or certify the general or duplicate return sheets or
statement, he shall write his reasons therefor upon said sheets. 25
Polls Closing

Pa. Stat. §3067(b).

• If there are paper ballots, the JoE must read the votes aloud
within the hearing and sight of poll watchers. 25 P.S. § 3062.
• The JoE should announce the number of Provisional Ballots cast.
• No person handling ballots may have in hand any pencil, pen,
stamp or other means of marking or spoiling any ballot. 25 Pa. Stat.
§ 3062(a).
• After votes are counted, ballots, district totals cards, unused
paper ballots, media containing records of electronic votes, and
other material must be securely packaged, labeled and sealed, and
physically delivered to the county BoE.
• If there is “discrepancy and palpable error,” no votes shall be
recorded from the district until the BoE has investigated. 25 Pa.
Stat. § 3154.
Absentee and mail-in ballots are counted at the central election
office.
32. Closing of voting • Results from voting systems should not be transmitted • Poll observers should remain while the voting machine are closed and materials
machines electronically readied to return to the BoE.
Polls Closing

• Media should be removed and physically transferred securely. • Report by LBJ if things seem odd.
• System that aggregates results should not be connected to a • Call Boiler Room if you suspect tampering. Click
network. Here
• Totals should be written to disk, taken to server hosting county
website.
DOS – Guidance on Electronic Voting Systems

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 Problem Law/DOS Guidance Observer Solutions Link
33. Long lines n/a If lines exceed 40 or more, call Boiler Room. If shorter, report via LBJ, noting any
specific issues.
• Walk voter lines & check precinct so line is not longer than necessary.
• Identify source of bottleneck: Requiring ID? Other?
Other

• Encourage workers to split poll books if check-in is bottleneck

34. Lack of ballots • Counties must ensure they are prepared to meet increased
demand for provisional ballots at every polling location and
sufficient emergency paper ballots if voting systems malfunction.
Other
• Consider saying: "Thank you all so much for coming out today. Turnout this year is
high, which is good news, but we expect many elections to be close so it’s incredibly
important to make sure your voice is heard in this election. The stakes are too high for
any of us to sit this one out. Please be patient!"
Running out of ballots in an emergency; call Boiler Room.
• In the morning and throughout the day, inquire as to the sufficiency of emergency
and provisional ballot supply.

• County BoEs should provide each district w/ emergency paper • If the supply is running low, encourage election officials to call BoE to request Click
ballots equal to 20% of registered voters in district. additional ballots. Here
• If 50% of electronic voting machines are inoperable, they should
start using emergency backup paper ballots immediately.
DOS - Administration of Electronic Voting (2011)
35. Bad weather • Talk to JoE about possibility of voters waiting inside the facility.
• Try to persuade voters to stay in line and vote. Consider saying: "The stakes are too
Other

high for weather to stop anyone from voting. We expect many races to be close and
your vote is critical."
• Get contact info and/or count voters who leave.
36. Misinformation or No one may use "intimidation, threats, force or violence to... • Provide voters with correct information, as needed; report any robocalls/misleading
deceptive practices prevent voting or restrain … freedom of choice." 25 P.S. § 3527 information via LBJ.
(robocalls regarding It is illegal to: • Take photos of any materials and upload to LBJ.
polling places, etc.) • Use or threaten force or “intimidation or coercion” to compel a • Report / show misinformation to JoE.
person to vote, not vote, register or not register • Call Boiler Room.
Other

• Use “abduction, duress or coercion, or any forcible or fraudulent Click

device or contrivance” that “impedes, prevents, or otherwise Here
interferes with the free exercise of the elective franchise”
• engage in various tactics by an employer to convince an
employee that voting one way or another is related to
employment.
25 P.S. § 3547
Other

37. Natural disaster; If there is a natural disaster (flooding, tornado) or the power goes • If there is a natural disaster (flooding, tornado) or the power goes out or there is no
utility outage out or there is no water. water, call Boiler Room.

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