Eligible electors who perform a specific role in the conduct of an election. Some, like the Returning Officer, Election Clerk and Administrative Assistant, serve electors throughout the election period in an office established in the electoral division. The others, listed below, serve electors at the Advance polls and on Polling Day.
The person responsible for the enumeration and election in one of the province’s electoral divisions. The responsibility includes recruitment, training and supervision of the front-line election officers who staff the polling stations.
The person responsible for assisting the Returning Officer (RO) in conducting the election in one of the province’s electoral divisions. The Election Clerk is the RO’s main support, and acts as RO in the RO’s absence.
The person responsible for providing administrative assistance to the Returning Officer and Election Clerk during the election period.
The Supervisory Deputy Returning Officer (SDRO) serves as an election officer on Polling Day.
The responsibilities of a SDRO include:
- supervising the polling place set up;
- supervising polling place activities;
- determining electors’ polling subdivisions and directing them to the RGO or DRO, as appropriate;
- providing assistance to electors;
- assigning tasks to election officers to best serve electors;
- maintaining peace and order in the polling place;
- replacing an election officer should the need arise;
- performing the duties of other election officers as required; and
- returning ballot boxes and supplies to the RO.
The Registration Officer (RGO) serves as an election officer on Polling Day.
The responsibilities of a RGO include:
- assisting electors in completing declarations;
- determining electors’ polling subdivisions, if necessary;
- directing electors to the appropriate polls;
- assisting the SDRO and DROs in the performance of their duties; and
- removing material from the polling place (including voting screens, posters, signs) while the unofficial count is conducted.
The Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) serves as an election officer throughout the Advance Polls and on Polling Day.
The responsibilities of a DRO include:
- setting up the polling station,
- maintaining the ballot box,
- maintaining the polling booth,
- assisting electors in completing declarations,
- directing electors in completing the ballot,
- maintaining peace and order in the polling station,
- conducting the unofficial count,
- communicating the unofficial results as directed by the RO, and
- returning the ballot box to the RO if an SDRO is not available to do so.
The Poll Clerk (PC) serves as an election officer throughout the Advance Polls and on Polling Day.
The responsibilities of a poll clerk include:
- maintaining the poll book/List of Electors and other polling day documentation;
- assisting the DRO; and
- assuming the responsibilities of the DRO, if necessary.
