Become a Poll Monitor: Defend Democracy. Protect Voters.

Free and fair elections depend not only on the laws that protect the right to vote, but also on people who are willing to show up and help ensure those protections work for every voter.

The League of Women Voters of Arizona is proud to partner with Election Protection Arizona, and we are calling on League members and community volunteers across the state to serve as nonpartisan poll monitors for the 2026 General Election.

Why Poll Monitors Matter

Every eligible voter should be able to cast their ballot without unnecessary barriers, confusion, intimidation, or interference.

Poll monitors provide an important citizen presence at voting locations. They observe what is happening, help voters connect with trusted nonpartisan information and assistance, and provide timely reports to the Election Protection network when problems arise.

Those reports matter. When Election Protection receives information about issues such as long lines, accessibility concerns, misinformation, voter intimidation, unexpected voting-location problems, or voters having difficulty getting assistance, those concerns can be assessed and triaged so that appropriate support can be provided.

Poll monitors are not election officials, and they do not interfere with election administration or tell anyone how to vote. Their role is to observe, document, report, provide voters with accurate nonpartisan information, and connect voters with trained Election Protection resources.

When Fear Can Become a Barrier to Voting

In today's election environment, voters may encounter not only practical barriers to casting a ballot, but also fear, confusion, misinformation, or concerns about intimidation and interference at voting locations.

Every eligible voter should be able to exercise their right to vote safely and without intimidation, threats, or coercion.

That is another reason a trained, nonpartisan citizen presence matters.

Poll monitors are there to observe, document, and report—not to confront or interfere. When something appears wrong, they provide reliable, real-time information to the Election Protection network so the issue can be evaluated and, when appropriate, connected quickly to voter assistance, legal resources, or other support.

Just as importantly, trained monitors can help distinguish verified problems from rumors or misinformation. We do not want unverified claims to create additional fear or discourage people from voting. We want concerns documented, reported through the proper channels, and addressed based on reliable information.

A Vigilant Citizenry Protects the Right to Vote

Election protection is ultimately a community responsibility. It begins with citizens willing to be present—to watch carefully, listen to voters, document barriers, and make sure problems do not simply go unnoticed.

Now more than ever, we need an informed and vigilant citizenry ready to stand up for the voting rights of every eligible voter.

Poll monitors help throughout the voting process by:

• Helping voters find trusted, nonpartisan information and Election Protection resources.

• Watching for barriers that may prevent or discourage eligible voters from casting their ballots.

• Observing and reporting potential voter intimidation, misinformation, or interference.

• Reporting problems at voting locations so they can be quickly triaged for appropriate service and support.

• Documenting patterns and recurring issues that may require a broader response.

• Helping ensure voters know where to turn when they encounter difficulties or have questions about exercising their right to vote.

You Will Be Trained

You do not need to be an election expert to volunteer.

Extensive training is provided to poll monitors. Volunteers learn their responsibilities, what they should and should not do, how to recognize potential voting problems, how to interact appropriately with voters and election officials, and how to report issues through the Election Protection system.

You will not be asked to solve complicated election problems on your own. You will be part of a larger Election Protection network with resources and support available when problems are identified.

What we need are people willing to give their time, remain nonpartisan, pay attention, and stand ready to help protect every eligible voter's opportunity to cast a ballot.

Democracy requires more than our individual vote. It requires citizens willing to help safeguard the ability of others to vote as well.

Be present. Be informed. Be vigilant.

BECOME A POLL MONITOR — SIGN UP TODAY

DEFEND DEMOCRACY. PROTECT VOTERS.

Training dates available in October

• October 6 (Tuesday) | 6:00–7:00 PM — In-person (Cochise)

• October 13 (Tuesday) | 5:30–8:00 PM — Cross Training for Legal Observers (CCAZ Office)

• October 13 (Tuesday) | 5:00–7:00 PM — In-person (Flagstaff)

• Recruitment Link: https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/1039258/

• October 15 (Thursday) — In-person (Tucson)

• October 17 (Saturday) | 10:00–11:00 AM — Virtual Training (CCAZ)

• October 18 (Sunday) | 1:00–2:00 PM — Virtual Training (CCAZ)

• October 18 (Sunday) | 12:00–2:00 PM — In-person (Prescott Valley)

• Recruitment Link: https://www.mobilize.us/commoncause/event/1041662/

• October 20 (Monday) | 6:00–8:00 PM — Rapid Response + Accompaniment Training (with Puente)

• October 22 (Wednesday) — In-person (Maricopa) Halloween Training