Pennsylvania State Police remind Pennsylvania residents to be vigilant this election season and to be aware of safety at the polls on Election Day.

While state police are not aware of any coordinated campaigns or specified threats, Pennsylvania’s status as a swing state has created an environment that may motivate individuals or groups to claim to be “poll watchers” and engage in intimidating or threatening behaviors, or post incorrect information on social media to deceive or confuse voters.

Under Pennsylvania law, poll watchers must be credentialed by the county and must be registered voters in that county. They must carry their credentials with them and show it on demand. While they are authorized to be inside the polling place, they are not permitted to be in the area where votes are tabulated. Poll watchers must also adhere to a code of conduct that prevents them from approaching voters or otherwise interfere with people’s right to vote except under certain circumstances.

Any person claiming to be a poll watcher who is engaging in voter intimidation or threatening conduct is violating state and federal law. Examples of voter intimidation include:

• Photographing voters

• Spreading false or misleading information

• Blocking the entrance to a polling place

• Asking voters for documentation when no documentation is required

• Threatening violence, using offensive language or raised voice to confront or otherwise question voters

The Pennsylvania Department of State oversees elections in Pennsylvania. It is their job to keep elections fair and honest. Anyone who is aware of election fraud or irregularities can report it to them. People must be registered to vote in Pennsylvania to file a complaint, which they can do using the online complaint form or by calling the voter hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) for any immediate needs.