Working the Election

Recruitment

• Role Types and Requirements

  All voting locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on advance and general voting days.

  All election officials must:

  • Be available from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the day(s) they are scheduled to work. Hours will vary depending on the role the election official is assigned.
  • Remain on-site at their assigned voting location for the duration of their assigned day, and may include standing, sitting, bending, and light lifting.
  • Remain on-site during scheduled breaks.
  • Be able to maintain neutrality, professionalism, and confidentiality at all times.
  • Be able to work in a busy, sometimes noisy, public environment.
  • Arrange for personal transportation to/from the voting location.
  • Be organized, punctual, and reliable.

  Presiding Election Official (PEO)

  The PEO is appointed by the Chief Election Officer to supervise all Election Officials at a voting location. They are responsible for ensuring the voting place operates properly and that all procedures under the Local Government Act and related bylaws are followed. The PEO also ensures that ballots, ballot boxes, and the vote tabulator are kept secure at all times. The PEO must also be available from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the evening before their assigned voting day to set up the voting location.

  Alternate Presiding Election Official (APEO)

  A person appointed by the Chief Election Officer to assist the PEO in managing the voting place and ensuring it operates properly. If the PEO is absent, the APEO assumes all responsibilities required to conduct voting. The APEO must also be available from approximately 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the evening before their assigned voting day to set up the voting location.

  Election Official (EO)

  A person appointed by the Chief Election Officer to carry out required duties at a voting place. Election Officials support the voting process and may serve in various roles, as assigned by the PEO, including:

  • Registration Clerk
  • Greeter and Information Clerk
  • Vote Tabulation Machine Clerk
  • Relief Clerk (Floater)
• How to Apply to be an Election Worker

  Applications to be an election worker will be accepted beginning in April using an online webform.

  In August, successful applicants will be notified of their position, given a choice of training session dates, and informed of their assigned voting location(s) and work date(s).

• Compensation

  The City will issue T4A slips for election officials who earn $500 or more in a calendar year, as required by the Canada Revenue Agency. 

  Compensation will be issued within 30 business days after General Voting Day. All compensation and expense claims are reviewed by the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer before being sent to the Finance Department for payment.

  Meals and meal per diems are not provided during training sessions or on any voting day.

  Rates

  The City’s Election Official Compensation Administrative Procedure sets out the election official position descriptions and rates of pay. No additional benefits, expenses, or per diems are authorized unless otherwise stated.

  Position	Day Rate	Phone Per Diem
  Presiding Election Official		$10.00 Per Voting Day
  Alternate Presiding Election Official		$10.00 Per Voting Day
  Election Official		N/A

• Training Requirements

  All election officials must attend in-person training required for their position. Training sessions may take up to two hours, depending on the level of discussion and participation.