Poll Watchers
A poll watcher is a representative of a political party, candidate, civic organization, or proposition who is legally assigned to a polling location or processing center to observe the conduct of the election.
There are three categories of observers who are permitted in Voter Service and Polling Centers or Ballot Processing areas:
- Media Observers are credentialed members of news media.
- Official Observers are credentialed by the Colorado Secretary of State or by the federal government.
- Poll Watchers are credentialed by the county Clerk and Recorder. These instructions provide information on how to obtain credentials from the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder.
Who can appoint a Poll Watcher?
General Election or Congressional Vacancy Election
- a political party chairperson on behalf of the party
- a registered issue committee for or against a ballot issue
- an unaffiliated candidate
- a write-in candidate
Coordinated Election
Jefferson County School Board or an entity that will appear on the Coordinated ballot (Municipality or Special District)
- a candidate
- a registered issue committee for or against a ballot issue
Municipal Election
- a candidate
- registered issues committees for or against a ballot issue
Primary Election
- a party candidate on the ballot
- a political party chairperson on behalf of the party
Recall Election
- the official subject to recall
- a successor candidate on the recall ballot
Recounts
- the candidate involved in the recount
- a political party chairperson on behalf of a party involved in the recount
- a registered issue committee for or against a ballot issue involved in the recount
Rules of Appointment
Carefully read the state statute and Colorado Secretary of State Rules regarding the appointment of poll watchers.
- Colorado Secretary of State Rules on Poll Watchers (PDF)
- Colorado Statute on Poll Watchers (PDF)
- SOS Table of Consanguinity (PDF)
All poll watchers must complete and bring the following documents, available via the link below:
- Watcher Certificate of Appointment (signed by an appointing authority)
- Certificate of completion form (produced after completing the SoS Watcher Training course)
Colorado Secretary of State - Poll Watcher Documents and FAQ
To certify more than one watcher, please see the Poll Watcher Appointment Requests section below for pre-verification steps.
Poll Watchers at the Voter Service and Polling Center or Ballot Processing Center
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Email
Phone303-271-8111
Office Address3500 Illinois Street, Suite 1100Golden, CO 80401
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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