Site MenuSelf-training workbook: Information Officer
What's important
Health and safety
Health and safety has always been important at polling places. The pandemic means there are more things to do, but polling places can still be healthy and safe places to vote and to work.
Activity
Read the COVID-19 Guide for more information about health and safety.
In general, if you see something that may be a risk to health and safety, do something to reduce the risk. You might be able to solve a problem, or you might need to let someone else know about it so that they can solve it.
Slipping and tripping hazards are both quite common. They are usually easy to address before anyone gets hurt. Other hazards may not be as common and you may not be able to solve them yourself.
| Make a list of things you can do to keep yourself safe and healthy | Make a list of things you can do to keep other people safe and healthy |
|---|---|
Neutrality
It's important that the polling place remain neutral.
That means that the polling place should not be associated with any of the candidates or parties. You should not wear or display any party colours or political messages. When you serve electors, you are helping them to vote, but you should never do anything that could affect who they vote for.
Electors can wear colours or buttons, but they should otherwise remain neutral.
Activity
Take a look at your wardrobe. Plan your neutral outfit/s for polling days.
Accessibility
It is important that everyone be able to access the voting place and services within it.
Many people will be able to do so without assistance, but some might need extra help. It is important that you provide any help that the elector asks for, though there are some voting process rules that you must follow at the same time.
Activity
Find and read the various situations described under “Helping Electors” in the guidebook.
Privacy
It's important that you protect personal information.
When you work, you will use the list of electors, containing electors' names, addresses and years of birth. Electors will also show you their ID.
Activity
Review the tips at the beginning of the During Voting Hours section of your guidebook. Which tip is helping to protect personal information?
Secrecy of the vote
It is important that only the elector knows who they voted for.
Many of the procedures include steps designed to make sure that no one can find out who an elector voted for.
Activity
The steps to ensure the secrecy of the vote are done by the DRO at the polling station. If you have questions about secrecy of the vote, write them here and discuss them with your training officer or supervisor.
Bilingual service
It is important that an elector be served in the official language of their choice.
If you are bilingual, use whichever language the elector uses. If you are not bilingual, there are still some things you can do.
Activity
In your guidebook, find the procedure called, Elector wants to be served in French. Make a note of any questions you have so that you can ask your training officer.