YORK, Pa. — With polling locations set to open in five days, Democrats and Republicans across south-central Pennsylvania are calling on people to serve as poll watchers and greeters.
Poll greeters welcome voters to their polling locations and hand out voting literature, while poll watchers help observe the voting process inside.
County representatives from both parties say the two party-appointed positions are some of the most important during the election.
“These are the people who help make sure the process is free, fair, and secure," said Cameron Schroy, the chair for the Franklin County Democratic Committee.
Schroy said the Franklin County Democrats are still looking for volunteers to work on Election Day. He said they would like to get one poll greeter and poll watcher at each of the county's 73 precincts.
“Realistically, we would be satisfied with 50 [people]. There are certain polling places with more need for poll watchers and greeters than others," said Schroy.
Meanwhile, the Cumberland County Republican Committee has seen hundreds of people clamoring to volunteer at each of the county's 118 voting precincts.
“We identified a long time ago that there was going to be interest in doing this," said Lou Capozzi, the chair of the Cumberland County Republican Committee. “This is the most important election of our lifetime, so we want to make sure we have our eyes and ears on the ground.”
According to PA election rules, poll greeters are allowed to engage in electioneering outside of a polling location. However, they cannot do that within 10 feet of the door or inside the building.
Meanwhile, poll watchers are allowed to lodge good faith challenges to election officials. However, they are not allowed to challenge a voter's identity, residence, or eligibility that is not relevant to a voter's qualifications to vote.
They are also not permitted to engage in voter intimidation.
Capozzi said Cumberland County Republicans hold classes for all its volunteers before Election Day.
“We don’t want people going in there and acting like Rambo; we want them to be respectful of the process," said Capozzi.
Regardless of party affiliation, officials say they will work to make sure every voter can submit a ballot without any issues.
“You should be able to express your vote free from any intimidation or fear," said Schroy.
Those who are interested in taking part as a greeter or poll watcher can apply on the Franklin County Democrats and Cumberland County Republicans websites.