Become a Federal Voting Rights Observer
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Preserving Liberty and Justice
Promoting Democracy
Serving Your Country
as a
Federal Voting Rights Observer
A History of Protecting Americans’ Right to Vote
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended, gives the U.S. Attorney General the responsibility for enforcing the rights guaranteed to citizens under the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. This includes ensuring that states and political subdivisions are prevented from employing any voting qualifications, prerequisites, standards, practices, and procedures that deny or abridge a U.S. citizen’s right to vote on account of race, color, or membership in a language minority group. The Act defines language minorities as persons who are American Indian, Asian American, Alaskan Natives, or of Spanish heritage.
The Act also authorizes the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to provide observers to political subdivisions (counties, cities, etc.) as determined by the Attorney General. In such subdivisions, observers may enter any place where an election is being held to monitor:
· whether persons who are entitled to vote are being permitted to vote, and
· whether votes cast are being properly tabulated.
OPM first deployed observers in 1966. Over the years, OPM has sent over 28,000 persons to observe elections in 22 states.
How Federal Observers Work for America
At the request of the U.S. Department of Justice, OPM sends observers to monitor federal, state and local elections throughout the year.
In advance of an election, observers travel to designated staging sites, receive on-site training, and form teams to cover designated polling places. While at the polls, observers do not intervene in the election process whatsoever. Rather, they watch and listen, reporting what they see and hear both orally and in writing. Their reports are then conveyed to the Department of Justice, which enforces the Voting Rights Act.
Qualities Needed to Become an Observer
Observers must be U.S. citizens, age 18 or older. Candidates must be responsible, honest, and have flexible schedules. They also need to be able to:
- communicate effectively both orally and in writing,
- exercise good judgment under stressful conditions,
- follow directions, and
- stay alert and stand for long periods of time.
OPM particularly needs observers who are fluent in these languages:
· Arabic
· Bengali
· Chinese
· Korean
· Native American Languages
· Spanish
· Tagalog
· Vietnamese
Observers are hired on an intermittent (as-needed) basis under the provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Observers are paid hourly ($18.85) for both work and travel time, and are reimbursed for most travel expenses. The position, which is not subject to provisions of Title 5 of the U.S. Code, bestows no benefits, leave or tenure with the Federal Government.
How to Apply
A representative from OPM will be at the VASCON4 DC Exhibition Fair to answer any questions. For more information about OPM’s Voting Rights Program or to request an application, visit www.opm.gov/votingrights, call 202-606-1400 or toll free at 1-866-885-4122, or write:
Voting Rights Program Manager
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
1900 E Street NW
Room 2469VR
Washington, DC 20415