#2A9AD9Are you concerned about election interference, voter intimidation, or the integrity of the vote count? Here is something constructive you can do:
Become an election observer!
Election observers are citizens who observe how elections are conducted. They can visit polling places, observe ballot processing and counting, and report concerns when something doesn't seem right.
You don't need to be an election expert. And you don't have to commit an entire day.
We spoke with Lake County resident Kate Schmitt-Hopper, who has served as an election observer for several elections, about what the experience is really like and how to get involved.
1. What does an election observer actually do?
An election observer watches election procedures to see whether established rules are being followed. At a polling place, observers may watch how voters are checked in, how ballots are handled, whether voting equipment is functioning, and how election workers respond when problems arise.
Observers can also watch certain election activities at the Registrar of Voters office, including ballot processing, vote counting, and the manual tally used to check election results.
An election observer is not the same as a poll worker.
Poll workers are the people who actually administer the election. They check in voters, provide ballots, assist with voting procedures, and secure election materials at the end of the day.
Observers don't perform those tasks. They watch, ask appropriate questions, and document concerns without interfering.
Kate explained that an observer's role is something like being a watchdog—but one who must remain independent of the work being observed.
2. Why should I consider volunteering?
Perhaps you're worried about voter intimidation, deliberate disruptions at polling places, or what happens to ballots after the polls close.
Election observation offers a way to move beyond worrying and become directly informed about how the process works.
Kate originally became an observer because she was concerned about partisan activity at polling places. She wanted to see for herself what was happening. What she discovered gave her considerable respect for the people conducting Lake County's elections.
When asked about her confidence in local election officials, Kate answered:
"My confidence is very high."
She has observed election workers carefully follow procedures, address problems, and work long hours to reconcile ballots and complete their responsibilities.
Observation doesn't guarantee that nothing will go wrong. But it provides independent public oversight, helps identify problems that deserve attention, and allows citizens to develop confidence based on firsthand experience rather than assumptions.
3. How much time does it take?
One of the advantages of election observation is its flexibility.
Unlike poll workers, who generally commit to a full day, observers can visit polling places for shorter periods. You might spend two hours observing the morning rush, leave, and return later in the day. You might observe multiple polling locations.
Kate typically observes at two polling locations near her home, moving between them throughout Election Day.
4. What is involved?
What should I expect on election day?
When you arrive, you'll check in according to the election office's instructions and identify yourself as an observer. You'll be directed to an appropriate observation area.
Much of the time, you'll simply watch. Some periods may be busy, with voters arriving and questions being answered. Other periods may be quiet.
Observers must respect voter privacy, avoid disrupting election workers, and never handle ballots or voting equipment.
You may ask the poll inspector questions about procedures, provided you don't interfere with voting or election operations.
Is there training?
Lake County provides election observers with written guidance about what they may and may not do. Kate recommends keeping that material handy during your observation.
For the November 3, 2026 election, Kate reported an observer meeting scheduled for November 2 at 5:30 p.m. Confirm the location and participation requirements with the Registrar of Voters.
Can I volunteer for just a few hours?
Yes. You can arrange your own observation schedule, subject to the election office's access and security rules.
Indivisible Lake County is also coordinating interested volunteers so that participants can share coverage of polling locations and time periods.
4. What am I looking for as an observer?
Your primary job is to observe whether election procedures are being followed and whether voters are able to cast their ballots without interference.
Here are some examples from Kate's experience.
Accessibility problems. At one polling place, an accessible voting booth wasn't functioning. Kate observed election officials arrange for replacement equipment.
Disruptive behavior. During the 2024 election, Kate watched as numerous voters arrived without their previously issued mail-in ballots and requested ballots at the polling place. Additional verification procedures slowed the process for those waiting in line. Kate was concerned that some of the disruption might have been intentional.
Improper campaigning or intimidation. Observers may notice political campaigning where it is prohibited, behavior that intimidates voters, or attempts to interfere with voting.
Procedural questions. You might have questions about whether a voter is being given the appropriate ballot, whether ballot boxes are properly secured, or whether election workers are following required procedures.
Not everything unusual is improper. Voters may legitimately need provisional ballots or additional assistance. Your observer training will help you understand what is allowed and when a situation deserves further attention.
Much of the value of observation comes from watching how election workers handle ordinary challenges.
5. What happens if I see something wrong?
First, don't intervene directly.
Observers must not interfere with voters, handle ballots, or attempt to direct election workers.
If something concerns you, Kate recommends asking to speak with the precinct inspector—the person responsible for overseeing operations at that polling place.
Explain what you observed and ask about the procedure involved. California's rules allow observers to ask questions, provided those questions don't disrupt election operations.
Kate also recommends taking notes.
Record what happened, approximately when it occurred, what you observed firsthand, and how election officials responded.
If a concern isn't resolved, or you believe it deserves further review, you can report it to the Lake County Registrar of Voters.
The goal isn't to confront voters or election workers. It's to make sure potential problems are brought to the attention of people authorized to address them.
6. How do I sign up?
There are two ways to participate: individually or through a coordinated volunteer effort.
Option A: Sign up individually
Contact the Lake County Registrar of Voters and ask about joining as an election observer for the November 3, 2026 election.
The county provides an election observer application, an observer plan, and information about observation opportunities.
Lake County Registrar of Voters
325 N. Forbes Street, Lakeport, CA 95453
Phone: (707) 263-2372
Email: elections@lakecountyca.gov
Website: https://elections.lakecountyca.gov
The county's November 3 election webpage includes the Election Observer Panel Application and Plan.
Option B: Join the Indivisible Lake County observer effort
A member of Indivisible Lake County is coordinating volunteers interested in observing polling places.
If you would like to participate but cannot devote the entire day, joining a coordinated group may be a convenient option. Contact Indivisible here via the Volunteer sign-up: https://www.indivisiblelakecountyca.com/volunteer (Be sure to check the box for "Election Observer Team"
Important dates for the November 3, 2026 election
- October 23: Deadline for organizations to submit the names and contact information of their observer representatives.
- October 21: Suggested internal deadline for Indivisible volunteers to provide their information to Paul.
- November 2, 5:30 p.m.: Observer training
- November 3: Election Day.
- November 17: Manual tally observation date (to be confirmed by Registrar)
Observation opportunities also extend to ballot processing before Election Day and the official canvass afterward. Ask the Registrar for the complete calendar.
One more way to help: Become a poll worker
If you'd prefer a committed, hands-on role, consider becoming a poll worker instead.
Poll workers help voters, administer voting procedures, and carry out the essential work of conducting an election. They receive training and generally make a much larger time commitment than observers.
Kate has enormous respect for these volunteers, who work from early morning until well after the polls close.
"God bless them," she said. "There's a special place in heaven for them."
Contact the Registrar of Voters to ask whether poll-worker positions are still available and what training is required.
You don't have to sit on the sidelines
When asked what she would say to people concerned about protecting the right to vote, Kate had two suggestions.
First, vote. "Any right you want to keep, you need to exercise," she said.
Second, participate in the election process.
Whether you become an observer for a few hours, help coordinate a group, or volunteer as a poll worker, you can contribute to the transparent, orderly conduct of our elections.
You don't have to know everything about elections to get involved. You just have to be willing to get trained, show up, pay attention, and learn.