Rhode Island allows the public to observe elections, but only political-party watchers and election officials may challenge someone's right to vote.
The state's active polling-place regulation sets out the different roles of voters, observers and party representatives as the Nov. 3 election approaches.
Under state law, recognized political parties can designate checkers to record who has voted, runners to collect those lists, and watchers to observe voting and assist checkers. Checkers and watchers need credentials signed by the appropriate ward or town party chair.
Watchers stay outside the enclosed area where people cast ballots. The public may also observe, but only voters and election officials may enter that enclosed area.
The regulation requires good cause for any challenge to a person's right to vote. It says a person whose identity is challenged at the polling place may vote only using a provisional ballot.
The polling-place warden or moderator has general authority to supervise voting and enforce election rules. Bipartisan pairs of supervisors keep the voting list and certify each voter's identity before the voter enters the enclosed area.
No one may willfully hinder the orderly conduct of an election. Recording is allowed inside the polling place, outside the enclosed voting area, if it does not hinder voting or compromise a voter's right to a secret ballot. Recording another person's specific votes is prohibited.
If someone believes an election official is violating state election law, the regulation says they may contact the local canvassing authority or the state Board of Elections to file a complaint. The Board of Elections lists its current phone number as 401-222-2345.