Information for Election Workers

All Election Workers must be available to work Monday, October 20, 2025. Election Workers will also need to attend one three (3) hour paid training session. A number of dates and times will be proposed for this training session between October 3 and October 7, 2025. 

Depending on availability, Election Workers may also be asked to work any of the Advance Voting Days. Advance Voting dates are tentatively scheduled for between October 14 and October 18, 2025.  

To be an election worker, you must be: 

• 16 years of age or older; and
• legally eligible to work in Canada.

Additionally, you must be able to: 

• attend one mandatory training session (three (3) hours);
• work long shifts; 
• speak English fluently; 
• get to and from the voting station; 
• use basic arithmetic; and
• communicate clearly with the public.

Election Workers are compensated with a flat rate based on their assigned role, responsibilities, and hours of work. 

Election Workers will be compensated ranging from $264.00 to $324.00 for working on Election Day (October 20, 2025), depending on whether they serve as a Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) or as a Presiding Deputy Returning Officer (PDRO). The role of DRO and PDRO will be determined after a successful application and will be determined based on experience and skillset.

A description of the job positions can be found below. 

Deputy Returning Officer (DRO)

Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) are responsible for managing voter interactions at the voting station, including verifying voter eligibility, issuing ballots, and maintaining accurate records. DROs work under the supervision of the Presiding Deputy Returning Officer (PDRO) to ensure that all procedures are followed and that voters have a smooth and secure voting experience.

Key responsibilities: 

• Greet voters and confirm their eligibility according to the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA). 
• Issue ballots and provide voting instructions to electors.
• Ensure the secrecy and security of the vote.
• Maintain the voter register and other required documentation.
• Monitor the ballot box and voter flow.
• Resolve questions or concerns from voters or staff, including accessibility issues.
• Assist with the setup and closing of the voting station.
• Participate in the ballot count, as directed by the PDRO.
• Assist with the closure of the voting station in accordance with the LAEA.
• Support the PDRO and other election staff as needed.

Presiding Deputy Returning Officer (PDRO)

The Presiding Deputy Returning Officer (PDRO) is the lead official at a voting station and is responsible for the overall administration, integrity, and efficiency of the voting process on Election Day and/or Advance Voting Days. This role ensures that all election procedures are followed in compliance with the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA). 

Key responsibilities: 

• Ensure voting procedures are carried out according to the LAEA. 
• Oversee the setup, operation, and closing of the voting station.
• Supervise and support the Deputy Returning Officers (DROs). 
• Maintain security and control of ballots, voting supplies, and the ballot box.
• Resolve questions or concerns from voters or staff, including accessibility issues.
• Complete all required documentation and return election materials.
• Oversee and participate in the ballot count, ensuring the accuracy of the count and completion of the Ballot Account, as directed by the RO
• Ensure security and delivery of the ballot boxes and other election material as directed by the Returning Officer. 
• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the voting process is upheld at all times.

The PDRO role requires strong organizational and leadership qualities, and experience supervising a team or working in a front-line service role is an asset.

Applications are now open. To apply, please:

• complete the online Election Worker Application Form; OR
• download or pick up a printable version and return it to Town Hall at 224 Centre Street, Drumheller, or email it to legislativeservices@drumheller.ca

Applications must be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 15, 2025. 

Election Workers cannot leave the voting station for any reason, unless they are being covered for a scheduled break. Therefore, it's important that you bring the following: 

• Water/beverages – enough to last you the entire shift.
• Food/snacks – enough to last the entire shift (there may not be kitchen facilities at your location).
• Clothing – dress in layers and ensure you are comfortable.
• Footwear – wear comfortable footwear.
• Medication(s) as needed.

You will be working in proximity with others. Please consider wearing products with minimal or no scent or reduce the amount of scented products you apply.

While PDROs will do their best to ensure worker receive adequate break time, high or steady traffic at a station could result in extended periods without a break.

Q: Do I need previous experience?
A: No! Previous experience is an asset but not required. All election workers receive mandatory training before the election to ensure they are confident and prepared for their role.

Q: Can I choose which days I work?
A: We ask applicants to indicate their availability. While we try to accommodate preferences, scheduling will be based on operational needs.

Q: How long are the shifts?
A: The shifts will be between four (4) to twelve (12) hours in length. Please ensure that you are comfortable with working long hours and prepare accordingly. 

Q: Is this a volunteer role or a paid position?
A: This is a paid position. Election workers are compensated with a flat rate based on their assigned role, responsibilities, and hours of work. Election Workers will be compensated ranging from $264.00 to $324.00 for working on Election Day (October 20, 2025), depending on whether they work as a Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) or as a Presiding Deputy Returning Officer (PDRO).

Q: Do I get breaks during the day?
A: While PDROs will do their best to ensure worker receive adequate break time, high or steady traffic at a station could result in extended periods without a break. There will be a break room that election workers can use, time permitting. 

Q: What if I can’t attend training?
A: All election workers must attend at least one paid training session to be eligible. No exceptions.

Q: Can I leave the voting station during my shift?
A: Election workers are not permitted to leave the voting station for any reason, unless the PDRO is able to give them a break. Please ensure you bring all items you will require during your shift.

Q: I smoke and/or vape. Am I allowed to go outside during my shift?
A: Election workers are not permitted to leave the voting station for any reason, unless the PDRO is able to give them a break. 

Q: Is there transportation offered for election workers?
A: No. Election workers are responsible for their own transportation to and from the training session and their assigned voting stations.