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Poll watchers warned not to interfere with voters

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — The supervisor of elections in Seminole County is warning poll watchers not to interfere with voters.

Fifty-three poll watchers are signed up to keep an eye on the early voting process in Seminole County, and the supervisor of elections will have his eye on them.

“Poll watchers are there for making sure the election is running smoothly by design,” said Seminole County Supervisor of Elections Mike Ertel.

Poll watchers aren’t new, but are gaining new attention because of Donald Trump’s accusations of voter fraud and a rigged election.

It’s led to concerns about voter intimidation.

Ertel, a Republican, said there are safeguards to prevent watchers from intimidating voters.

“We have zero tolerance for people doing shenanigans in the polling room,” Ertel said.

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He requires watchers to wear large, bright, orange signs meant to capture the attention of voters and let everyone know what the rules are, including no talking to or following voters, and no photos inside the polls.

Thirty-two people from the Hillary Clinton camp have signed up to watch, along with 13 from the Trump camp and eight Republicans.

Ertel said they’re allowed to challenge a vote, but anyone caught breaking the rules will be thrown out and possibly taken to court.

“We have a zero tolerance for anybody breaking Florida election law in our polling room or near a polling place,” Ertel said.

He said he hasn’t had problems in past elections.