Q: What are good ways to monitor the work of the students researchers?
A: First, good training will go a long way in making sure that the students are comfortable with the protocol and are able to follow through on it. (This is similar to stopping plagiarism: students are less likely to cheat when they aren't stressed by the assignment.) The protocol has some things that would be hard to fake, such as sketching the precinct, so make sure you include that activity. Second, it is probably a good idea for you or a trusted colleague/student serve as a roving supervisor during the day. Check in, watch what the students are doing, and ask to see their coding sheets. To make this work, the students will need to have a detailed schedule worked out for them, so that you will know where they are throughout the day.
Q: My state doesn't allow observers inside polling places. Is it still worth my while to participate?
A: In 2014, a couple of participants discovered that their states restricted access to polling places by researchers, or outright barred it. Here are some thoughts about what to do if this applies to you:
- You may be able to find ways within the law to grant you access. For instance, in some states, political committees, parties, and candidates are allowed to designate observers. You may be able to work out an arrangement in which one of these entities will designate your researchers as observers. If you do pursue this path, make sure you have complied with all state laws, and make sure that you are partnering with a group/individual who is trustworthy and won't compromise the independence of your students.
- You may be able to observe the arrival process, but not the voting process. This is not as interesting as being inside the polling place, but it can still be valuable. Note that in some places, there is a "no electioneering zone" that you will be expected to honor, even if you are not electioneering (which you aren't). In such a case, you have to decide whether students can observe what they need to observe from that vantage point.
- Participation may not be possible. It may just simply be impossible to participate. Some election officials try to help professors work within the constraints of the law, and some don't. And, even when they do, sometimes the constraints are just too much. If it looks like it's just not going to work, there is no dishonor in not participating, or waiting to do it again in 2020, once you've figured out how to work around the limitations.