Parties, candidates, citizen groups or independent organizations can deploy observers to witness the electoral process, both to learn from and improve the process. State policies vary considerably on who can observe and what they can observe.

The following interactive map gives a state-by-state examination of polices on election observation in 2020, including the ability to observe different stages of the electoral process and whether any special accommodations or restrictions are in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note that access to different aspects of the process may differ depending on the category of observers. See "Who Can Observes Elections in the U.S." below for more information on categories of observers. The Carter Center's Who Can Observe U.S. Elections? A State-by-State Breakdown of Policies Governing Partisan and Nonpartisan Observers may be of use as well.

On the map below, click on a state for additional details. if the state's policy is "not specified" that does not mean it is prohibited. Either by regulation or local custom, observations may be possible.

https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/policies-for-election-observers.aspx#can