Poll worker positions
Paid positions
Training provided
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. Poll workers are on the front line and make it possible for electors to vote in an orderly fashion.
Special requirements
To apply for these positions, candidates 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
- 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 guidelines
Poll worker positions across Canada
Click on the position to check out details for each position
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.
