Ballot staff, election observers and ballot displays are all available at voting locations to make sure the 2020 election proceeds easily and safely. Macrovector/iStock through GettyImages

Regardless of all of the challenges to this 12 months’s election – lengthy traces, requires voter intimidation, baseless claims of fraud – voting is a basic civil proper.

As a political scientist who research campaigns and elections, I’ve confidence in American democracy. A number of individuals are working on the polls and behind the scenes to make sure election 2020 runs easily and safely.

Right here, I’ll define your rights as a voter and clarify the place to show in case you encounter bother on the polls.

First, a caveat: Elections in america are run by the states, so there are 50 variations of every part I’m about to say – extra with Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and different abroad territories. Particular details about polling areas, voter ID necessities and the right way to vote could be discovered on the Nationwide Convention of State Legislatures web site or at your state’s Secretary of State web site.

Voter ID

Test your state’s necessities earlier than you permit to vote. Thirty-five states request or require that voters to point out some type of identification on the polls. Voter ID legal guidelines could also be very strict, requiring a photograph ID like a legitimate driver’s license or U.S. passport, as in Georgia, Indiana and Mississippi.

Know whether or not it’s good to carry a type of paperwork, or whether or not a present utility invoice or financial institution assertion will do, as is the case in Ohio, the place I dwell.

In Washington, D.C. and 16 states – together with New York, Minnesota and Wyoming – all voters have to do to confirm their id is state their identify and tackle, and maybe signal the ballot e book. Ballot staff verify they’re registered to vote.

2020 issues

Lengthy traces

As a result of excessive voter turnout, in addition to pandemic-related ballot station closures and social distancing necessities, be ready to face in line. When you’re there, keep there: Even when your polling place closes while you’re in line, you continue to get to vote.

If somebody tries to show you away as a result of the ballot station closes, name the Election Safety Hotline. A group of nonpartisan voting rights advocates will present data on what to do subsequent.

Technical issues

If you happen to make a mistake marking your poll, ask ballot staff for a brand new one. If voting machines malfunction, you possibly can request a paper poll.

Ballot employees

A corps of civilian volunteers is dispatched to polling websites throughout the U.S. to assist Individuals vote and make sure the integrity of U.S. elections.

Ballot staff

Ballot staff work with native election boards to assist their fellow residents vote. They open and shut the voting website, be certain that voting is a protected and arranged, help voters who want any assist whereas voting and, after polls shut, report outcomes to the county board of elections.

The precise lineup of ballot staff varies from state to state. Most could have, as Wisconsin does, a chief election inspector – also called a precinct election officer or clerk – who verifies voters on the polling place and distributes ballots.

Some ballot websites might have greeters, who be sure that certain voters are within the right line and, in the course of the pandemic, help with cleansing.

Election observers and ballot watchers

Some individuals on the polls are partisan citizen observers. “Ballot watchers” are recruited by the political events to observe for exercise that would undermine the pursuits of their get together or group. Voters might go to them with questions. Simply know they don’t seem to be neutral sources.

A Democratic volunteer observes early voting in Philadelphia on Oct. 7, 2020.

Gabriella Audi/AFP through Getty Pictures

Different displays at ballot websites are nonpartisan observers, a few of whom come from overseas to make sure the integrity of American elections. Lecturers like myself additionally observe elections to check the method and to supply suggestions to enhance elections. Some teachers might report issues to officers to make sure election integrity.

The foundations and legal guidelines about election commentary fluctuate by state however, typically talking, election observers don’t have interaction with voters – they observe.

“Challengers” are a type of ballot watcher who’ve the authority to query voters’ eligibility to solid a vote. That’s one motive having correct identification is significant on the polls.

Some states distinguish between “ballot watchers” and “challengers” whereas others don’t. In most locations, any type of official election observer have to be a registered voter within the state they’re monitoring.

The variety of ballot watchers per precinct varies, from one in Ohio to as many as three per political get together in Iowa. In some states, like Florida, ballot watchers should put on a reputation badge.

Indicators of bother?

If somebody questions your capacity or {qualifications} to vote, first determine this individual and their authority to interact with you. Are they an official ballot employee or a partisan volunteer?

Members of the Proud Boys, a right-wing militant group that has threatened to face outdoors ballot websites, should not official U.S. election displays.

Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis through Getty Pictures

There aren’t any language necessities to vote – some states even have interpreters on website – nor should you move a check first. In case your eligibility to vote is challenged or your identify will not be within the ballot e book, ask for a provisional poll.

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Report any intimidation to the Election Safety Hotline, keep calm and observe the recommendation. The 2020 election is occurring beneath troublesome circumstances, however it’s nonetheless a federal crime to intrude, in any manner, with an individual’s vote.

Daniel R. Birdsong doesn’t work for, seek the advice of, personal shares in or obtain funding from any firm or group that may profit from this text, and has disclosed no related affiliations past their tutorial appointment.