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HELP THE VOTE

Elections Canada in need of local workers for federal vote

Oct 1, 2019 | 3:01 PM

It takes around 240,000 people to work the polling stations in Canada for a federal election, according to Elections Canada.

Regional Media Advisor Marie-France Kenny said several positions rurally and in Lloydminster still need to be filled ahead of voting days, specifically in Turtleford, Lashburn and Poundmaker.

She said Elections Canada is looking for poll clerks, registration and information officers, scrutinizes and supervisors. All the positions are paid, starting at $15 per hour. About three hours of paid training is provided locally, too, for each position ahead of the vote.

Anyone who is a Canadian citizen, 16 years old on election day and agrees to refrain from any partisan political activity during employment can apply to work for Elections Canada.

“It is part of the democratic process. You are helping out and being paid while doing it. It is a pleasant day,” she said. “It is fun. It can be a change of pace for people looking for a job, are retired or have the day off.”

The application process is easy, as it is just one click away through the Elections Canada website.

Kenny said if Elections Canada does not fill the openings they will combine polls or bring in people from other ridings to help out. However, she said it is rare a team needs to be dispatched for the vote.

“We always have a moment of panic around now about filling positions and we end up doing it,” she said. “But we are confident in Saskatchewan we can fill those positions.”

Advance polls run Oct. 11 to 14 and election day is Oct. 21.

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr

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