Election Worker Information

• You can be an election worker if you are eligible to work in Canada.
• You must be able to work the entire duration of the shift you are hired to work and must attend prior mandatory election training.
• Prior election worker experience is an asset.

Election Workers:

• Presiding Deputy Returning Officers (PDRO) – the supervisor at each voting station.
• Deputy Returning Officers (DRO) – election staff who work at voting stations other than the PDRO.

All election workers are responsible to ensure the election is conducted in a transparent and fair manner, will remain impartial while performing their duties, and in all respects maintain and aid in maintaining the absolute secrecy of the vote. More detailed instructions will be provided at the election worker training.

Duties – Presiding Deputy Returning Officer (PDRO)

The Presiding Deputy Returning Officer (PDRO) is responsible for all activities of their assigned voting station. The PDRO is responsible to carry out the following duties:

• Overall responsibility of all election processes at the voting station.
• Ensuring the voting procedures are carried out in an impartial and efficient manner.
• Picking up of election supplies.
• Responsible for the setup and cleanup of the voting station (and as per any applicable facility Agreements).
• Responsible for the security of ballots.
• Oversee and assist the counting of ballots.
• Delivering ballots and election supplies back to the Returning Officer on election day.
• Designate the place from where a candidate’s scrutineer may observe the election process.
• Maintaining the peace and summoning an Officer (Peace Officer or otherwise) to assist as necessary.
• Signing forms as required.
• Main point of contact with the Returning Officer.

Duties –Deputy Returning Officer (DRO)

The Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) is responsible to carry out the following duties:

• Ensuring the voting procedures are carried out in an impartial and efficient manner.
• Assist in voting station setup and cleanup (and as per any applicable facility Agreements).
• Assist in the counting of ballots.
• Signing forms as required.

Election Workers should be prepared to remain on the voting station premises for the duration of their shift.

• Water/beverages – workers should bring enough to last their entire shift
• Food/snacks – workers should bring enough to last their entire shift (there may not be any kitchen facilities at your voting station)
• Clothing – dress in layers, and ensure you are comfortable
• Footwear – wear comfortable footwear 
• Medication