by Shirley Anderson
Hernando County Supervisor of Elections
The Elections Office receives many phone calls regarding poll watchers and poll workers. In Hernando County, we refer to poll workers as election workers. There are many differences between poll watchers and election workers.
Florida Election Laws require that each election worker receives a minimum of two hours of training prior to every election (F.S. 102.014). Election workers are sworn in by the Supervisor of Elections and/or the Sheriff depending on the position.
Election workers must remain strictly non-partisan during training and while working. They are required to work an average of 14 hours on election day in addition to training and pre-election setup. They must successfully complete all training and pass an assessment prior to being assigned to a polling location. To learn more about becoming an election worker in Hernando County visit https://www.hernandovotes.gov/Election-Worker/Requirements-and-Application or email [email protected].
A poll watcher is an individual who has been appointed by a candidate, political party, or political committee to observe the election process at an Election Day polling location and/or Early Vote site.
Poll Watchers are designated per Florida Statute 101.131 and their role is merely to observe. You must be a registered voter in Hernando County. This person is NOT affiliated with the Elections Office and cannot obstruct the orderly conduct of the election.
