• Election Worker Roles & Job Descriptions

  Presiding Deputy Return Officer (PDRO): 

  • As a Presiding Deputy Returning Officer, you will hold a key leadership role at your voting station, with significant authority to ensure operations run efficiently and in compliance with established procedures. 
    • Your responsibilities will include overseeing the setup and closure of the station, supervising, and supporting election workers, assisting voters, and liaising with candidates, observers, and the Election Office. You will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records and resolving any issues that arise. PDROs are required to work at least one advance voting day in addition to election day. You will also oversee the Ballot Counters and the ballot counting process, remaining on-site for the full duration of the count. 
    • This role may require multiple days of attendance and ongoing supervisory duties. 

  Deputy Returning Officer (DRO):

  • As a Deputy Returning Officer, you will help with setting up the voting station and verify all supplies received from the Presiding Deputy Returning Officer. Your duties will include guiding voters through the process, assisting those who require additional support—including individuals with disabilities—and processing voters using the City’s Permanent Electors Register. You will confirm voter identification, complete voter registration, and issue ballots accurately in accordance with established procedures. At the end of the day, you will assist with station closure and follow the proper closing procedures. Basic computer skills are required. If agreed upon, responsibilities may also include assisting with the post-election ballot count. 
  • List of positions included in the DRO role: 
    • Information/Greeter
      • As an Information Officer, you will be the first point of contact for voters at the voting station. Your responsibilities include greeting voters, answering questions about voter ID requirements, directing voters to available Deputy Retuning Officer stations, and managing lines to ensure a smooth flow. You will assist fellow election workers as needed and provide support to voters, including those with disabilities who may require additional assistance. Familiarity with the local community is an asset. Additional duties may include providing break coverage for Ballot Box Officers, assisting with closing procedures under the direction of the Presiding Deputy Returning Officer, and, if agreed upon, helping with the post-election ballot count.
    • Registration Officer
      • As a Registration Officer, you play a critical role in managing the elector register and ensuring accurate voter registration at the voting station. Using software on a Chromebook, you will verify each voter's ID and check whether the voter appears on the Permanent Elector Register. If listed, the voter will be marked as having voted; if not, you will assist in completing the Statement of Eligibility and register the voter. You will also complete the relevant section of Form 13 based on the ID presented. 
      • Supporting this process, the Registration Clerk will help set up and close the voting station, confirm voter eligibility, assign voter numbers if applicable, determine the appropriate school board trustee ballot, and communicate this to the Ballot Clerk. You will also provide voting instructions to electors and perform additional tasks as directed by the Presiding Deputy Returning Officer. Ideal candidates for this role will have strong attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, prior election experience, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment. Laptop experience is required for advance voting stations.
    • Ballot Clerk
      • As a Ballot Clerk you are responsible for ensuring every elector gets the correct ballots. Before the station opens you will count your pads of ballots to ensure there are no discrepancies. During voting hours, you will ensure each ballot is initialed and accounted for. You will also provide voting instructions to electors and perform additional tasks as directed by the Presiding Deputy Returning Officer. Ideal candidates for this role will have strong attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, prior election experience, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
    • Ballot Box Attendant 
      • As a Ballot Box Officer, you will guide voters on how to properly deposit their ballots and ensure that ballot boxes always remain secure. You will also thank voters for participating in the election. Additional responsibilities may include providing break coverage for Information Officers, assisting with closing procedures under the direction of the Presiding Deputy Returning Officer, and, if agreed upon, helping with the post-election ballot count. 
    • Ballot Counter
      • As a Ballot Counter, you will be responsible for all aspects of the ballot counting process after the voting station closes. This includes setting up the counting area if required, sorting, and counting ballots, accurately recording votes for each candidate, and organizing materials for the Presiding Deputy Returning Officer to finalize the count. This role may require attendance over multiple days to ensure the count is completed. Strong attention to detail, patience, and the ability to maintain focus are essential. 
    • Institutional Teams
      • Institutional stations are setup at care facilities and shelters throughout the city to give voters with limited mobility currently staying at these institutions an opportunity to vote. Institutional teams are pairs of workers who are responsible for the setup, running and tear down of each institutional station they are assigned for the day. A team must have their own reliable vehicle that can securely store ballot boxes and a cellphone.
    • Standby Worker
      • A Standby Worker is available on short notice to replace an election worker who is unable to report for duty. You must be prepared to travel to an assigned voting location with minimal notice and be ready to perform the required duties as needed. 

   

• Election Worker Eligibility

  • You must be available to attend a training session, as assigned, in mid-September.
  • If you are eligible to work in Canada, you can apply to work as an election worker.
  • You do not have to be a Canadian citizen to apply.
  • You are required to be 18 years of age or older.
• Election Worker Responsibilities

  Presiding Deputy Returning Officer  

  Role Summary: 
  The Presiding Deputy Returning Officer oversees the entire voting station operation, ensuring it is set up, run, and closed according to procedures. Ideal for experienced election workers comfortable managing teams and taking responsibility. 

  Key Responsibilities: 

  • Oversee smooth operation and care of the voting station(s). 
  • Receive supplies from City staff; set up and take down the station. 
  • Assign and supervise all station workers, act as primary contact with the Elections Office. 
  • Ensure security of ballots, supplies, and equipment. 
  • Maintain peace and order. 
  • Assist candidates, scrutineers, and electors as needed. 
  • Act as back-up for Deputy Returning Officers to cover breaks or reduce backups. 
  • Supervise ballot counting. 
  • Deliver ballots, results, and election materials back to City Hall (or for institutional stations, securely transfer ballots between stations and then to City Hall). 

   Requirements: 

  • Alberta resident, 18+ years on Election Day 
  • Previous election experience and team supervision 
  • Experience working with the public and strong communication skills. 
  • Own cellphone and reliable transportation with secure, dry space for supplies 
  • Physically able to lift up to 23 kg. 
  • Must stay until duties (including cleanup, counting, delivery) are complete. 

  Deputy Returning Officer  

  Role Summary: 
  Under the Presiding Deputy Returning Officer’s direction, Deputy Returning Officers manage various tables and assist voters throughout the voting process. May be assigned specific roles or rotated as needed. 

   Key Responsibilities: 

  • Assist with setup and cleanup. 
  • Greet voters, verify eligibility, manage lines, and provide voting instructions. 
  • Strike voters off the registry using provided devices. 
  • Help voter’s complete statements as needed. 
  • Account for and distribute ballots. 
  • Maintain security of ballot boxes. 
  • Maintain peace and order. 
  • Assist in ballot counting under Presiding Deputy Returning Officer supervision. 
  • Assist Presiding Deputy Returning Officer with loading materials into vehicles at shift end. 

  Requirements: 

  • Alberta resident, 18+ years on Election Day 
  • Experience working with the public and strong communication skills. 
  • Physically able to lift up to 23 kg (especially for institutional roles) 
  • Must remain until all duties are complete. 

  Election Worker Assignments Within Stations 

  Roles May Include: 

  • Information Officer / Greeter: Welcome voters, manage lines, answer questions, assist with accessibility and signage. 
  • Registration Officer: Check voter ID, verify and update elector registry, complete Form 13. 
  • Ballot Clerk: Count and distribute ballots, initial ballots, maintain ballot accounting, direct voters to booths. 
  • Ballot Box Officer: Secure ballots, verify ballots for Deputy Returning Officer initials, store spoiled ballots, maintain ballot box security, assist voters with depositing ballots, remain standing during most shifts. 
  • Floater/Runner: This position is responsible for delivering supplies, transporting documents or personnel, assisting with setup and troubleshooting, and providing backup support as needed. 
• Preparation for the Day

  Election Workers cannot leave the voting station for any reason. Please bring:

  • Water/beverages - enough to last you the entire shift
  • Food/snacks - enough to last the entire shift (there may not be any kitchen facilities at your voting station) 
  • Clothing - dress in layer and ensure you are comfortable
    • Some stations may get chilly, you may want a warm coat or small blanket
  • Footwear - wear comfortable footwear
  • Medication 
  • You will be working in proximity with others, please consider wearing products with minimal scents or reducing the amount of scented products you apply. 
  • While PDROs will do their best to ensure workers receive adequate break time, high or steady traffic at a station could result in extended periods without a break.
  • Election Workers will not be permitted to smoke or vape on the election site grounds. Election workers must be prepared to work an entire shift without smoking or vaping.
• Election Worker Hours

  Advanced Voting: 

  • October 9, 10 and 11 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday
  • October 16, 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday-Saturday 

  Voting Day: 

  • Monday, October 20th from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. & 5 p.m. until count completion

  At 1 of 16 Voting Stations:

  • From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. & 5 p.m. until count completion

  As part of an Institutional Station Team:

  • From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  At the Counting Centre

  • From 7 p.m. until the count is complete

  Standby Worker

  • Available and on standby for Election Day from 8 a.m. – counting is complete, to come in and work if additional staffing is required.

   

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are these paid positions?

  Yes. Details on rates of pay are below: 

  • Presiding Deputy Return Officer
    • $27 per hour
    • $30 per hour for evening shifts on Election Day (voting stations and counting centre supervisor)
    • In addition, any hours worked beyond 8 hours in a day will be paid as overtime at 1.5 times the hourly rate.
  • Deputy Returning Officer (includes all other election worker position)
    • $22 per hour
    • $25 per hour for evening shifts on Election Day (voting stations and counting centre ballot counters)
    • In addition, any hours worked beyond 8 hrs. in a day will be paid as overtime at 1.5 times the hourly rate.
  • Standby Workers
    • $75 if confirmed available OR
    • At rates above for position and actual hours worked if called in and reports for work
• How will I be contacted about my application?

  Applicants should monitor their email inbox and review their spam folder. The City is using an outside recruitment software that may send it to spam, depending on your email settings. Correspondence will arrive as elections@cityofgp.com. 

• Is there transportation offered for election workers?

  No, election workers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the training session and their assigned voting stations.

• Will there be training for each of the assigned positions?

  Yes. Election workers will be required to attend a paid mandatory training session in mid September. Election workers will be paid $75 for the training session.

• Do I need prior election experience?

  No, election workers do not need prior election experience.