Nashville has seen an uptick in poll watchers this election season as conservatives nationwide put more scrutiny on voting sites. At least 240 people have been approved, according to the Davidson County Election Commission — more Republicans than Democrats — and more people are expected to sign up.
While they’re officially sanctioned to be near the voting process, they cannot interfere.
To be a poll watcher, people have to get approval at least two business days before their shift. The only real requirement is that they’re Tennessee residents.
More: Poll watcher guidelines
State law allows poll watchers to generally monitor a voting site — on Election Day or during early voting. They wear a special poll watcher badge. But they can’t look over a voter’s shoulder or even speak to voters — that includes greeting people as they come in. The concerns are about campaigning or voter intimidation. They can challenge voters — but not directly, only through the officer of elections.
President Trump’s former aide Steve Bannon has used his popular podcast to ask his audience to sign up as election workers. He’s called for an “army” of poll watchers during the midterms.
Davidson County election officials say they don’t keep records on poll watchers for more than two years, but this year they say there are more than the 2018 midterms, when Democrats outnumbers Republicans.
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