September 29. 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C.– Today, All Voting is Local and the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law released updated election guides explaining the relevant federal and state laws that govern the conduct of poll watchers, what election observers can and can not do, limitations on unfounded voter eligibility challenges, and protections for voters and election officials from intimidation. These guidelines cover eight states: Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
As we head into the midterms, election officials are preparing to uphold federal and state election laws. In light of the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to undermine elections, these safeguards are designed to help officials navigate challenges and respond effectively to potential disruptions. These guides are intended to serve as a resource for officials as they navigate the weeks leading up to the election and Election Day.
The state guides were first published in September 2024. Each has been updated to reflect any changes to federal or state law that have been enacted since the guides were first released.
Read the guides here.