Election Watchers

An Election Watcher observes the election process. Candidates, political parties, and issue committees can appoint Election Watchers, depending on the type of election.

To be an Election Watcher, you must:

• Be registered to vote in Colorado
• Be chosen by an approved group (like a political party or candidate)
• Not be a candidate on the ballot you’re watching
  • You also cannot have a close family member (up to second-degree by blood, marriage, or civil union) on the ballot
• Never have been convicted of any of the following:
  • Any election crimes listed in Colorado law (Article 13 of Title 1)
  • Similar election crimes in another state
  • Federal offenses like treason, sedition, insurrection, or planning violence against the government

You don’t have to live in Boulder County to watch an election here.

What do watchers do?

Watchers observe election activities. In Boulder County, this means watchers might be watching activities at these locations:

• Boulder County Elections Office or Ballot Processing Center
• Boulder County Vote Centers and Drop Boxes
• Healthcare Facilities

All watchers can observe:

• Setup and breakdown of Vote Centers
• Ballot duplication
• Ballot tabulation
• The post-election audit
• Canvass
• Recount

If a watcher completes the Watcher Training Course from the Secretary of State’s office, they can also observe:

• Voter check-in and registration activities
• Ballot receipt and processing, including ballot drop-off at a drop box
• Signature verification of mail ballot envelopes
• Provisional ballot processing
• UOCAVA ballot processing
• Ballot printing and mailing preparation that occur at the county clerk’s office

How do I become an election watcher?

If you want to be an election watcher, you need to be appointed as a watcher. Groups who can appoint watchers vary depending on the election. They might be candidates, political parties, or committees backing a ballot issue. Please refer to the Certificate of Appointment forms (linked below) for who may appoint you for the election are are interested in watching.

There are certain items you will need to bring with you every time you visit. These items are different depending on where you plan to watch.

• Vote Center, Elections Office, or Ballot Processing Center Watchers
  1. Certificate of Appointment – This will be given to you by the entity appointing you as a watcher.
  2. Watcher Training Course Certificate of Completion – Please see above for more information about the Watcher Training Course. If you have not completed this course, you can still observe some election activities.
• Drop Box Watchers
  1. Certificate of Appointment for Drop Box Watchers – This will be given to you by the entity that appoints you.
  2. Watcher Training Course Certificate of Completion (see above) – This is required if you intend to watch at a drop box.
  3. Identification Badge – The entity that appoints you as a watcher is required to give this to you (see Secretary of State Election Rule (“Election Rule”) 8.15). You must wear it during every visit.

Bring your Certificate of Appointment and Training Certification of Completion on your first visit. We will confirm your eligibility and complete your watcher oath with you.

Once you have completed your Oath, you are eligible to watch as often as you like for an election. Be sure to bring your paperwork on each visit otherwise you will be denied entry.

• Healthcare Facility (HCF) Watchers
  • Watchers may visit and observe activities at a Healthcare Facility as permitted by Election Rule 8.9. This must be arranged in advance by contacting Stephanie Gnoza at sgnoza@bouldercounty.gov.
  • Important HCF Watcher Notes
    • HCF visits may not occur at all or be modified with short notice in response to changing conditions or facility protocols.
    • While at a group residential facility, a watcher must maintain an adequate distance from the elector so the elector may mark or receive assistance marking his or her ballot in private. A watcher may not enter a voter’s private room or apartment unless the voter consents.
    • Watchers must also follow rules the HCF has in place to enter the building. This might include masking, proof of vaccination, health screenings, etc.