The election process is being carefully watched. From security cameras at county offices to candidates monitoring polling places, there are eyes and ears on alert to ensure the safety of the voting process.

But another group plays a key role in ensuring the integrity of the vote: election observers.

With less than a week before the 2024 primary election in Arizona, these observers are already at work. They're watching as early ballots are being processed at county election offices.

These volunteers are often overlooked on election day, but they are an important part of the voting process.

This week on Election Dissection, an elections series of The Gaggle podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, hosts Mary Jo Pitzl and Sasha Hupka talk with some people who watch democracy in process.

Jeff and Robin Greeson have been observers with the Maricopa County Democratic Party since 2018. They tell Election Dissection how the job really works and lessons they've learned over the past few years.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices