Welcome to the Hernando County
Republican Poll Watcher Information Center 2026

ACTION NEEDED: ACTIVATE YOUR POLL WATCHER STATUS NOW

Step 1: Verify & Refresh Your Account

  • Brand New to Poll Watching?

  • If you did not serve as a poll watcher in 2024, do not proceed online yet. Please text Kathleen at 516-551-1301 with your name and "New Watcher," and we will personally onboard you.

  • For Returning 2024 Poll Watchers:

  • Log in at protectthevote.com using your 2024 email address. If you’ve already confirmed your account, you can skip this and log in directly at gopvolunteer.com in the future.

  • Login Issues: If you don't recall your password, click "Forgot Password." If the system says "Email Not Recognized," create a new account using your 2024 email address.

Step 2: Register for Mandatory 2026 Training

  • Once logged in, you will be redirected to your Volunteer Dashboard. From here, you can register for your required annual training:

  • Select Training: Underneath the calendar on your dashboard view the upcoming training schedule and select one. Be sure to use the same email address across all platforms and register for the training class. You will receive an email from info@magamajorityforce.com to confirm your registration and obtain the schedule link. Look in your junk folder.

  • Register & Sync: Select your preferred date, register, and add the session to your personal calendar with a reminder.

  • Important: You must use the same email address used in Step 1.

  • Finalize: Before you class completes write down your access code for reporting your poll watching data. When you finish the class text Kathleen at 516-551-1301 so we can verify your certification with the Florida RNC Election Integrity team.

  • Need a Different Training Option?

    While our online Zoom sessions are the most efficient way to get certified, we are proposing hosting two in-person sessions at the Southern Hills Conference Room (Fitness Center, 2nd Floor) for those who prefer hands-on instruction:

    • Thursday, 9/24 @ 2:00 PM

    • Thursday, 10/1 @ 6:00 PM

    • Please text Kathleen at 516-551-1301 if you plan to attend an in-person session so we can maintain an accurate headcount.

  • Note: All training must be completed by the October 6th deadline to ensure your credentials are processed by the Hernando County SOE.

STEP 3: Obtaining Your Credentials

Once you are trained and your name has been submitted to the Supervisor of Elections (SOE), they will verify your status.

  • Watch your mail: Five to eight days before the election. You will receive an official letter from the Hernando County SOE with instructions for your badge.

  • Pick up your badge: Follow the letter's instructions to pick up your official Poll Watcher badge at the Main Election Office: 16264 Spring Hill Dr, Brooksville, FL.

  • Admittance: You must have this physical badge in your possession to be admitted to your polling place.

STEP 4: Schedule Your Poll Watcher Shift

  • Platform: Return to your dashboard at gopvolunteer.com

  • Status: We are currently finalizing the scheduling module for Hernando County. This feature is expected to go live shortly.

  • Action: Once enabled, you will see an option on your dashboard to select your polling location and specific shift hours.

  • Stay Tuned: As soon as the scheduling module is active, I will send a direct update to all trained watchers so you can secure your preferred precinct.

  1. Review this important presentation (link to come) from your Supervisor of Elections, Shirley Anderson. It is a less technical guide than the official state Polling Place Procedure Manual which includes statute and rule references.

  2. Bring your Poll Watcher Checklist and Tabulator Page(s) with you to your shift(s). Each shift needs a separate Tabulator Page. Download/print them using the buttons below.

Incident Reporting

While poll watching, should you experience an incident per your training, report the incident by clicking the “Submit an Incident Report” button (preferred method) OR by calling this number: 850-404-7788

NOTE: The RNC strongly prefers the report via form for enhanced data collection and validation for potential legal challenges should that be necessary. If you have trouble using the form do call to make your report.

Thank you for volunteering to be a Poll Watcher. Your efforts are vital in helping us to secure our elections in Hernando County! In order to be fully activated as a poll watcher you must take a few additional steps as described above. Should you have any questions, please call or text Kathleen Griffiths or Jeannie Galbo .