Positions still need to be filled in Elections Canada offices across Canada. Apply now and spread the word to your family and friends. If your application is retained, you may be contacted anytime until election day.
Who is eligible to work as a poll worker
Who can work
- you must be a Canadian citizen
- you must be at least 16 years old on election day
- to be employed by Elections Canada, you must agree to refrain from any partisan political activity during the term of your employment.
Who cannot work
- federal ministers and members of provincial executive councils;
- senators;
- sitting members of the House of Commons or of provincial or territorial legislative bodies;
- certain judges;
- people who were candidates in the last general election or in a by-election held since the last general election;
- people who have served in Parliament in the session immediately before the election or in the session in progress at the time of the election;
- anyone found guilty of an offence under an electoral law relating to federal, provincial, municipal or school board elections or the Referendum Act in the previous seven years (subsections 22(3), 22(4) and 22(5) of the CEA).
Poll workers positions
Poll workers work primarily at polling places, that is, where electors go to vote. Various positions are available, from the deputy returning officer, who handles the ballots, to the information officer, who directs electors to the appropriate table. During an election, poll workers are on the front line and make it possible for electors to vote in an orderly fashion. Elections Canada is committed to providing a safe environment for workers and electors, and we have put health and safety measures in place at every polling place.
Special requirements
Individuals interested in applying for these positions must demonstrate the following core competencies:
- Basic literacy skills (reading, writing and comprehension)
- Basic interpersonal skills, including the ability to exercise impartiality and to deal with people who may be impatient
- Ability to serve electors with disabilities
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks
- Basic analytical skills
- Good attention to detail
- Ability to follow directions and adhere to standards and safety measures
- Ability to learn quickly
- Ability to work long days (at least 13 hours)
Some poll worker positions will also involve:
- Standing for long periods of time
- Standing or sitting close to exterior doors when there could be inclement weather
- Checking the exterior of the polling place
- Completing detailed forms and paperwork with legible handwriting
- Counting ballots (requires basic arithmetic skills)
- Ensuring that electors and candidates’ representatives follow all safety guidelines and procedures
Poll worker positions across Canada
- Deputy returning officer (polling day)
- Deputy returning officer (advance polling days)
- Information officer
- Registration officer
- Central poll supervisor
Notes:
For advance poll workers: Do not take part in any partisan political activity starting from the first day of advance polls and ending after the counting of the ballots on election night.
For election day poll workers: Do not take part in any partisan political activity on election day until after the counting of the ballots on election night.
Canadian citizens who are at least 16 years old on election day are invited and encouraged to apply.
(Editor: Michael)
