Glossary
Compiled by Linda Belzile, Returning Officer, University of Ottawa
Ballot
The paper on which a voter indicates a choice in an election or referendum
Campaign manager
The person in charge of organizing the campaign of a candidate
Candidate
A person seeking election
Candidate's representative
The person representing the candidate at a polling station and/or at the official vote counting
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)
The non-partisan officer who directs and supervises elections and referendums
Deputy returning officer (DRO)
The election officer who is responsible for the conduct of a polling station and who handles the ballots
Election day(s)
Also referred to as "polling day(s)"
Election officers
Include the Chief Electoral Officer, Assistant Chief Electoral Officer, returning officers, deputy returning officers and poll clerks
Elector/electorate
A person/persons entitled to vote in an election or referendum
Nomination papers
A form signed by the required number of electors and filed with the returning officer so that the candidate can seek office in the election
Official agent
A person authorized to enter into contracts on behalf of the candidate; a person appointed by a political party or candidate to ensure that the party's or the candidate's
campaign is conducted in accordance with the law
Platform
A statement of positions on issues by a political party or candidate
Political party
A group of persons organized to nominate and support candidates at elections
Poll clerk
The poll officer responsible for the voters list
Qualified to vote
Meeting the requirements to vote as set out in the rules and regulations governing the election
Rejected ballot
A ballot improperly marked which is found in the ballot box
Returning officer (RO)
A person appointed to organize the election and
supervise the polling stations during an election in a
given electoral district
Spoiled ballot
A ballot improperly marked and exchanged for a new one
Statement of the vote
A report which includes the total number of votes obtained by each candidate and the number of rejected and spoiled ballots
Valid ballot
A ballot which is properly marked and counted
Voter
An elector who votes
Voters list
A list of persons eligible to vote; also known as the "list of electors"
Writ of election
An official document published by the Chief Electoral
Officer, and sent to all returning officers, directing
that an election be held and indicating the dates and
times for campaigning and voting