Elections Canada hires approximately 200,000 election workers during every federal general election to help ensure the smooth and fair operation of the election process. These positions offer several benefits, such as getting paid, contributing to the functioning of Canada’s democracy, and the opportunity to meet people from your community. Elections Canada strives to reflect the diversity of Canadian communities by hiring a variety of individuals, including youth (ages 16 and 17), post-secondary students, bilingual individuals, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people, and people with disabilities. Additionally, individuals who speak languages other than the primary official languages in their riding are encouraged to apply.

There are various ways to work during a federal election, depending on whether you are working at a local Elections Canada office, a polling place, or a Vote on Campus office. You are not required to work in your own riding, and depending on the situation, you may be asked to work in a neighboring riding if there is a shortage of workers. These paid positions offer valuable experience and skills, as well as an enhanced understanding of the voting process. Some office roles may also allow for remote work.

For anyone interested in working at a federal election, there are a few basic eligibility requirements: you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 16 years old on election day, and impartial. As an election worker, you will be required to sign a solemn declaration affirming your impartiality. While performing your duties, you must refrain from engaging in political activities, working for any political party or candidate, or wearing items related to a political party. This impartiality is essential for maintaining voter trust in the electoral system. Certain individuals, such as federal ministers and members of the House of Commons, are prohibited from becoming poll workers under the Canada Elections Act.

For young people, particularly students aged 16 and 17, working at a federal election provides a great learning opportunity. It allows you to witness democracy in action and contribute as an active citizen while gaining paid work experience. Many positions are available on weekends to accommodate students’ schedules, and there are additional roles available on election night for vote counting and organizing materials from polling places. All election workers, regardless of their position, receive paid training, which includes hands-on practice, informational materials, and support from experienced trainers.

At the local Elections Canada office level, election workers prepare everything necessary for electors to vote. This includes tasks like registering electors, updating names and addresses, assisting with special ballots, and answering public questions. Roles at local offices range from assistant returning officers to financial officers, and the work hours span the election period, typically from 36 to 50 days before election day. Jobs at these offices are demanding but provide a great sense of teamwork and accomplishment.

The Community Relations Officer Program plays a crucial role in reaching out to electors who face barriers to voting, such as youth, seniors, ethnocultural communities, and people with disabilities. Community Relations Officers are tasked with sharing information about the election process and making voting more accessible to these groups. If you are interested in this role, experience in community outreach and understanding of the customs and sensitivities of these groups is essential.

Polling places are at the heart of the election process, and election workers there help ensure voting runs smoothly. From registration officers to deputy returning officers, the tasks at polling places are essential for maintaining order and ensuring voters can cast their ballots. These positions are typically filled for election day and the days leading up to it. Workers at polling places, including roles like central poll supervisors and information officers, play a vital part in ensuring that voters can exercise their rights efficiently and fairly.

For university students, there are also opportunities to work at Vote on Campus offices. These offices operate for four days, two weeks before election day, providing information and voting services on campuses across the country. Jobs at these offices are available for the duration of the office’s operation, and roles include assistant returning officers and information officers. This is a great chance for students to engage with the electoral process while staying connected to their academic schedules.

To apply for any of these positions, you can visit the Elections Canada website for current job postings. The process for applying includes phone interviews and training sessions, where you will receive all the materials necessary to perform your duties. Whether working at a polling place, local office, or Vote on Campus, every election worker receives paid training to ensure they are prepared for the job. The training may vary by position, but it typically includes hands-on practice, a guidebook, and the completion of quizzes. Once trained, workers are required to make a solemn declaration before beginning their work, affirming their commitment to impartiality and non-partisanship.

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This article was created as part of MLPD’s partnership project with Elections Canada. We encourage people with disabilities to learn more and apply!