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Am I interested in working at a Federal Election?

See our Information Guide and Mini Posters Am I interested in working at a federal election? (PDF)

Am I interested in
working at a federal election?

Thinking of working at the next federal election but not sure if it's right for you?

Here are some points to get you started. Let's get to work!

 

Why work at a federal election?

Get paid to do it! You get paid to work at a federal election and attend the training session.

Stay safe while working. Elections Canada is committed to protecting the health and safety of all its election workers. As such, in consultation with local and provincial health authorities, health and safety measures will be implemented in Elections Canada offices and polling stations.

Help to support Canada's democracy. When you work at a federal election, you have the chance to make voting more welcoming and accessible to your community. By being a friendly face at the polling station or Elections Canada office, you help other people feel comfortable and confident when they vote.

Meet new people. You will meet your co-workers and people in your community.

Learn new skills. You will get work experience and skills, which you can add to your resumé. You will also learn more about elections and how they work.

 

Worried about working during the pandemic?

We've got you covered!

Elections Canada understands your concern and has taken the necessary precautions to keep you safe. We will provide you with personal protective equipment and make sure that physical distancing measures are in place.

We want all Canadians to feel safe when applying for a position that requires physical interactions with hundreds of electors at every shift.

More information on all our health and safety measures at the polling stations.

 

What if I don't know much about elections?

That's okay. We'll train you and pay you for it!

Every election worker who works at a polling station gets three hours of training–some is in person, and some may be virtual. We explain your job, and, for some positions, you practise with actual election materials so you'll know exactly what you need to do. There will always be people who are ready to help and support you.

More information on working at an election on our website.

Want to learn more about federal elections right now? Check out ElectionsandDemocracy.ca.

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Who can work at a federal election?

You can work at a federal election if:

  • you are a Canadian citizen
    Canadian citizenship is required for election officers–that is, for all those who work at polling stations. Some positions at the Elections Canada office may not require Canadian citizenship.
  • you are at least 16 years old
  • you agree to be Keyword: impartial while you're working at the federal election

Returning officers, who are responsible for elections in their riding, hire all the election workers for their riding. They look for workers who have the skills for the job and who reflect the diversity of their community. That means we are looking to hire more members of the following groups:

  • youth (especially those aged 16 and 17 years; work is available on weekends, so it will not interfere with schooling)
  • post-secondary students
  • bilingual people who can provide service in both official languages
  • people who speak a language other than the common official language in their riding
  • First Nations people, Métis and Inuit
  • persons with disabilities
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What can I expect if I'm hired to work at a federal election?

There are many different types of Keyword: election worker, but, no matter your role, you can expect:

  • to be paid for working at a federal election and attending the online training session
  • a safe workplace with health and safety measures in place
  • a sense of satisfaction in knowing you are contributing to the health of your democracy in your community
  • potentially long shifts and busy days, depending on when and where you work
  • a typically busy work environment
  • a lot of support from your team members

When you're hired, it's important that you show up to your shift. By showing up for your shift, you're ensuring that your polling station is running smoothly and that people in your community are able to exercise their right to vote. When workers don't show up for their shifts, it means that it may be difficult to open the polls, which makes it harder for people to vote.

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Find the right job for you

During a federal election, different jobs are available, depending on where and when you want to work. Take a look to see what's right for you.

Elections Canada office:

  • There are 15 different roles.
  • Each job is about getting the election organized ahead of time so people can register to vote and vote.
  • Longer time commitment: Your job could start several weeks before election day.
  • The Elections Canada office will be open between 7.5 and 12 hours each day during the election.
  • Health and safety measures will be in place at all Elections Canada offices.

Polling station:

  • There are four different roles.
  • Each job is about helping people vote or register to vote.
  • Shorter time commitment: Your job will take place on election day or any of the four advance polling days or both. Advance polling days start 10 days before election day.
  • The polling station is open for 12 hours on election day and 12 hours per day on advance polling days; but poll workers may work up to 14 hours or more during those days.
  • Health and safety measures will be in place at all polling stations.
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How do I apply?

It depends on where you want to work. Check the Employment section on the Elections Canada website.

Elections Canada offices: During the election, get in touch in person or by phone with the Elections Canada office where you want to work. You can find the contact information for all Elections Canada offices, once the election has been called.

Polling stations: Fill out the online application anytime. You can also apply in person at your local Elections Canada once the election has been called.

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