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Video begins:
The first scene shows the central poll supervisor standing next to the voter information card Collection Box in the polling place near the entrance. As one elector leaves, another walks toward the Voter Registration Desk where the registration officer is seated, serving an elector. The information officer stands nearby waiting to help electors. In the background, candidates' representatives observe voting activities at a polling station. The central poll supervisor holds a clipboard while doing a spot check.
"My name is Gerry. I am a central poll supervisor. I am the returning officer's eyes and ears at the polling place."
The next shot shows the registration officer seated at the Voter Registration Desk. The central poll supervisor approaches him and points off screen. She seems to be instructing him on a task. He nods in agreement while she continues to explain.
"My job is to supervise, to prevent problems and to try to solve them when necessary."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing next to the Accessibility Feedback Station. A male candidate's representative is seated nearby. A female candidate's representative approaches the central poll supervisor and asks questions about her Authorization of a Candidate's Representative form. The central poll supervisor points to a page and offers an explanation.
"I am also the main point of contact for candidates and their representatives."
The next shot shows the poll clerk and deputy returning officer seated at their table. Election materials cover the table. The central poll supervisor explains certain tasks to the poll clerk while he reads a passage in his guidebook. She points to a section of the guidebook. He looks up and nods in agreement.
"To prevent problems, I check on election officers throughout the day, to make sure they follow the steps in their guidebooks."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor explaining something to the deputy returning officer and poll clerk who are seated at their table. She shows them how to correctly fill out forms.
"I also make sure they fill out forms correctly."
The next shot shows a candidate's representative taking photos inside the polling place with a mobile device. The central poll supervisor approaches him with her arm extended, explaining that it is not allowed. He puts his mobile device in his pocket. She shows him a copy of the Guidelines for Candidates' Representatives. They read it together.
"I constantly monitor candidates and their representatives to make sure they follow the guidelines."
The next shot shows the registration officer seated at the Voter Registration Desk and the central poll supervisor entering from the right of the screen. She points to the table with the voter information card Collection Box. She mentions that it is too close to his desk. He nods in agreement. She moves the table to allow for a more accessible space.
"I also check the polling place often to make sure it is as accessible as possible."
The next shot shows an irate elector showing pieces of identification to the deputy returning officer and poll clerk seated at their table. She is clearly upset. The central poll supervisor approaches and calmly speaks to her. She holds her guidebook as the elector waves her pieces of identification.
"If I notice a problem, I step in and try to solve it using my guidebook."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor walking by electors standing in line at a polling station. She approaches a male elector to make sure he has acceptable proof of identification. He shows his mobile device to indicate that he does. She nods in approval and approaches the next elector who is holding a voter information card. She discusses proof of identification while holding a copy of the "Have Your ID Ready" sheet.
"If a polling station is very busy, I try to lighten the workload of election officers by making sure electors have acceptable identification ready."
The next shot shows the information officer standing by the entrance of the polling place, ready to help electors. A candidate's representative speaks directly to an elector. The central poll supervisor enters the shot from the left with her hand extended. She interrupts the conversation and reminds the representative of the guidelines to follow. He shows his identification badge and seems puzzled. She expresses her disapproval.
"If a candidate's representative is being difficult with electors or officers, I remind him of the guidelines and call the returning officer if the situation repeats itself."
The next shot again shows the inside of the polling place. The information officer is speaking with the first elector in a lineup. The central poll supervisor approaches from the right of the screen. She walks past the first elector in line and addresses the second one. She asks him for something, which he promptly shows her. She nods in approval and continues down the line.
"If there are lineups, I help information officers control the flow of traffic and I try to reduce the lineups as quickly as possible."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing beside the Accessibility Feedback Station. She reviews her guidebook on a clipboard. A disabled elector enters the shot from the left and points off screen. The central poll supervisor listens intently.
"If an elector comes to me with an accessibility concern, I ask the elector to explain the situation."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor entering from the right of the screen. She carries a chair which she sets on the floor. She sits down, takes a Polling Site Accessibility Feedback Form on a clipboard, hands it to the elector and explains how to fill it out.
"An accessibility concern is always taken seriously. I thank the elector for the comments and give the option of filling out a Polling Site Accessibility Feedback Form."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing beside a table where the poll clerk and deputy returning officer are seated. Both are preoccupied with their work. She moves a table further away from theirs as the narrow space could impede access to the voting screen for electors with disabilities.
"I then try to solve the problem or report it to the returning officer who will try to find a solution the same day."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor with two candidates' representatives. She is talking to the female candidate's representative, clipboard in hand, while the male representative listens. The female representative is upset by a situation and is pointing towards something off screen. The central poll supervisor listens intently and takes notes on an Incident Report Form.
"I keep track of any other type of complaint or problem on an Incident Report Form."
The next shot shows a close-up of the central poll supervisor checking her mobile device. She enters a number and brings the phone to her ear. A white overlay appears on the right half of the screen. While she reports the issue to the office, the text "Health or safety issue" and "Illegal or suspicious activity" appears in the shading. The overlay disappears while she continues the conversation.
"If I notice anything that could be a health or safety issue or anything that is illegal or suspicious that could prevent electors from voting, I call the office right away."
The next shot shows a green map of Canada on a grey background. A target radiates on the south east side of the map. A second target appears below and radiates as well. Soon, three more targets appear, indicating that Elections Canada is addressing issues in real time all over the country.
"Reporting problems to my returning officer makes it possible for Elections Canada to know what's going on across Canada in real time, so solutions can be found quickly."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing beside a table where the poll clerk and deputy returning officer are seated. An elector stands behind the voting screen. The central poll supervisor checks a document on her clipboard. The poll clerk reads the Poll Book while the deputy returning officer consults her guidebook. The elector returns from the voting screen with her ballot in hand. She hands her ballot to the deputy returning officer. The poll clerk smiles at the elector while the central poll supervisor looks on.
"I'm always alert so electors can have a safe, private, accessible, efficient and seamless voting experience."
Descriptive text of "Supervision" video
Video begins:
The first scene shows the central poll supervisor standing at the right of the frame next to the accessibility feedback station, taking notes on her clipboard. She greets a disabled elector who approaches her and points off screen to the right while she listens intently.
"As the central poll supervisor, my job is to make sure the polling place and everyone in it…"
The shot transitions to the central poll supervisor talking to the registration officer seated at the Voter Registration Desk. He seems puzzled as he scans through a page of the Registration Officer’s Guidebook. She points to a section in his guidebook and gives him an explanation.
"…including election officials, representatives and electors…"
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing with a clipboard, again near the accessibility feedback station. She is listening attentively to a female candidate’s representative. A male candidate’s representative is seated on the right of the frame, reading the Guidelines for Candidate’s Representatives.
"…comply with Elections Canada’s standards and procedures."
The next shot shows the interior of the polling place where the information officer is speaking to the first elector in a lineup. The central poll supervisor is standing to the right of the screen. In the background, the registration officer is serving an elector. The central poll supervisor then turns away from the information officer and approaches the Voter Registration Desk to see if there are any potential issues.
"To do this as efficiently as possible, I do spot checks of the polling place at different times throughout the day."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing to the left of a polling station where the deputy returning officer and poll clerk are seated. A ballot box is on the table at the right of the frame, a voting screen in the background and forms, envelopes and books cover the table. The central poll supervisor explains something as she points to the voting screen behind them. The deputy returning officer gets up and walks behind the voting screen. She takes a pencil and checks it to make sure it is sharp. The poll clerk looks straight ahead.
"The spot checks I do at the beginning of the day help me find any errors so I can fix them immediately and avoid repeating them all day."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor walking past the registration officer seated at his desk and gives him a confident two thumbs up. He smiles and returns with a one thumb up.
"The spot checks I do during the day help me make sure:"
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing to the left of the frame beside a polling station where the poll clerk and the deputy returning officer are seated. An elector returns from behind the voting screen toward the deputy returning officer who is putting documents in order. The poll clerk then opens up the Poll Book. The elector hands her ballot to the deputy returning officer, while she and the poll clerk smile. All the while, the central poll supervisor looks on.
"Election officials are serving electors well and completing all of their tasks during the day"
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor leaning over the table where the poll clerk and deputy returning officer are seated. She examines their poll book and asks questions to make sure that it and all forms are filled out completely and correctly. Both election officers nod in agreement.
"All forms and documents are being filled out completely and properly"
The next shot shows a candidate’s representative at the left of the frame, standing beside the central poll supervisor. With the Guidelines for Candidate’s Representatives in her hand, she explains them to him and then hands him the document as she continues to explain. He nods in agreement.
"Candidates' representatives are following guidelines."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing in front of a table where the poll clerk and deputy returning officer are seated. Both are reviewing documents and looking distracted. She notices the narrow space between two tables, which could impede access to the voting screen for electors with disabilities. She moves the table further to the side to ensure a larger gap and leaves.
"The polling place is an acceptable and accessible voting environment for all electors."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor reviewing the Poll Book with the poll clerk seated at his table, beside the deputy returning officer who listens intently. The ballot box is open. The poll clerk nervously flips through the Poll Book, and appears frustrated. The central poll supervisor leans in to help and reviews it with him. She walks around the table to check envelopes, forms and other election materials to make sure they are filled out correctly. She refers to her guidebook to make sure the election officers are doing their job properly. She notices a spot check in her guidebook and points to two brown envelopes. She refers to her guidebook again to confirm that she is following the proper steps.
"The spot checks I do at the end of the day are different than the others but still very important. At this time, I physically check that every form, every document, and every envelope has been put in the right place according to the guidebook and posters, before I allow officials to seal envelopes and boxes."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing in front of the registration officer seated at his desk. She points to a document on the table. It appears that he has misplaced important documents. He flips through a pile of certificates. The shot then speeds up double time to show both of them looking through forms and documents. The shot then slows down to regular speed to show him pulling an expanding file folder from under his desk. They both smile and the registration officer sighs with relief. As he pulls documents from the folder, she places her hand to her chest and signs in relief as well.
"If I do not take the time to do these tasks properly, legal documents or documents with personal information could get lost and end up in the wrong hands."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing at the left of the frame beside the registration officer seated at his desk. The information officer is standing at the right of the frame. All three are intently reading through their guidebooks. The central poll supervisor explains something to them. She indicates the number two with two spread fingers and refers to her guidebook.
"It is important for me to know the rules and procedures in all of the guidebooks very well."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing beside the poll clerk and deputy returning officer seated at their table. The poll clerk appears confused. She points to sections in the Poll Book and gives an explanation.
"I will then be able to do my spot checks, help workers who are struggling or confused, answer questions…"
The next shot shows a side view of the polling station where the poll clerk and deputy returning officer are seated. The central poll supervisor is standing to one side and a candidate’s representative is seated at the left of the frame. The information officer who is facing them, talks to the central poll supervisor and points to a situation off screen. She leaves the polling station to attend to the matter, reassuring the election officers that she will be back soon.
"…correct the work of officials or fix problems as quickly as possible when I need to."
The next shot shows the interior entrance to the polling place where the information officer is busy talking to the first elector in the line. The central poll supervisor walks in from the right of the frame past the first elector and speaks to the second elector. She asks him for something, which he promptly shows her. She smiles and continues walking down the line.
"In some cases, I step in to help officials so electors get the best possible service."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor and an elector standing in front of a table where the poll clerk and deputy returning officer are seated. With the elector’s Voter Information Card in hand, the central poll supervisor reviews the info and explains something to the elector. He nods in approval. She continues talking to the elector and points off screen. He looks in that direction, takes his Voter Information Card, waves goodbye to the poll workers and walks away. The poll clerk and deputy returning officer wave goodbye while the central poll supervisor smiles.
``For example, when there is a lineup or when an elector is at the wrong polling place and must be directed elsewhere to vote."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing at the right of the screen, beside the table where the poll clerk and deputy returning officer are seated. The poll clerk appears confused about something in his guidebook and asks her to help. The deputy returning officer looks equally confused and seeks guidance as well. They both listen to her explanation.
"Deputy returning officers and poll clerks might also ask for my help when their guidebook does not explain how to deal with a particular situation."
The next shot shows the central poll supervisor standing at the left of the frame, beside the table where the poll clerk and deputy returning officer are seated. While she explains something to the poll clerk, the deputy returning officer suddenly stands up to get her attention. She appears to be in a state of panic and explains the situation, excitedly moving her hands towards the election materials. The concerned central poll supervisor allows her to leave. She takes her mobile device to call the office for a replacement while the deputy returning officer walks out.
"Furthermore, I must be aware of any personnel issues and the hours worked by each worker. If an official cannot work or is unable to work, I find a replacement right away and update the time log so everyone can be paid fairly without delays."
The next shot shows the interior of the polling place. One elector is walking out while others are waiting in line. The information officer points an elector to the registration desk. The central poll supervisor observes as she walks across the scene with a clipboard in hand. She stops to consult a checklist in her guidebook and takes notes.
"Bottom line, my job is about staying alert all day to be ready to address any situations and making sure everyone is providing quality customer service."
Descriptive text of "Incidents" video
Video begins:
First scene shows the central poll supervisor on the screen
"The central poll supervisor is responsible for the safety of everyone at the polling place as well as the security of election material."
Next scene shows an office with the CPS, DRO and poll clerk
Next scene shows an office with the CPS, DRO and poll clerk an overlay of an ambulance driving across the screen followed by the overlay of the health symbol and an overlay of a criminal face.
"Medical emergencies, health and safety issues as well as illegal or suspicious activities can occur at your polling place."
Next scene shows the central poll supervisor on the screen
"It's important that you respond to these serious situations as quickly and professionally as possible."
Next scene shows the word "B asics"
"Let's go over the basics."
Next scene shows a room with an elector being run down by two buffalos then this person lies flattened out on the floor.
Next scene shows a room with a "fire" icon with frown
Next scene shows a cell phone with the 911 icon overlaid
"If anyone becomes very ill or is seriously injured, if there is a fire, the fire alarm goes off, you see smoke or you detect a gas smell, call 911 or the local emergency to report it."
Next scene shows a guidebook with check boxes and checkmarks
"Follow the steps in your guidebook when possible"
Next scene shows the CPS, DRO and poll clerk in an office - the poll clerk turns green and looks sick and then exits the room and the central poll supervisor makes a call on her cell phone
"If an election officer becomes ill or gets injured, make sure to call the office so they can arrange a replacement."
Next scene shows a judge at his desk bringing down his gavel
"There are also several illegal or suspicious activities you need to look out for."
Next scene shows a football player who enters the room from one side and tackles an elector who comes in from the opposite side, and then this person falls to the ground and a big red X covers the screen
"Report anyone who is or seems to be:
- Preventing electors from voting or forcing them to vote a certain way"
Next scene shows an office with the DRO and poll clerk , and then a thief who comes into the room, knocks down a voting screen, steals a ballot box and runs off. A big red ‘X' then covers the scene
- "Damaging voting materials or stealing ballots or ballot boxes"
Next scene shows the exterior of a polling site and a poll worker standing in front of the building, an elector who arrives and the poll worker reversing a directional sign to send the elector in the opposite direction. A big red ‘X' then covers the screen
- Giving out wrong information to electors"
The next scene is split in two – each with an identical voter behind a voting screen, then shows one elector who gets out from behind the screen and the second elector who leaves but who is shown wearing a disguise, then a big red ‘X' covers the screen
- Registering or voting when not eligible or is trying to vote twice"
Next scene shows the list of offences in a guidebook and a finger skimming over it and on the other side the CPS holding a guidebook
"There is a full list of offences in your guidebook. Familiarize yourself with them before you start working."
Next scene shows the CPS standing in an office. A deputy returning officer appears in the scene, followed by an elector. To one side of them a copy of an incident report with two hands holding pencils that are filling out the form.
"In all of the cases described here, you must call the office to discuss what happened and fill out an Incident Report Form. You must have an election officer and a witness write a detailed description of what they saw or heard."
Next shot is again the CPS, DRO and poll clerk standing in an office and with an overlay of a circle with a percentage sign which turns into a drawing of a pie circle closing in on a small segment of the circle
The chance of any of these incidents occurring is low, but you must be prepared and ready just in case."
Next scene shows a the central poll supervisor with a question mark above her head, who then puts her cell phone to her ear; the screen then splits in half showing a returning officer sitting at a desk on which sits a telephone which he answers
"Remember - If you see or hear of anything suspicious but are not sure how to respond, do not hesitate. Call the office and give as much detail as possible. You will be given instructions to follow."
Descriptive text of "Serve Candidates Representatives" video
Video begins:
The first scene shows the information officer welcoming a candidate’s representative who presents a sheet of paper and then addresses the central poll supervisor who arrives on the scene. An elector is standing at the right-hand side of the screen. The information officer then greets another elector.
"The central poll supervisor checks the badges of candidates'representatives already admitted or admits them if they are visiting a voting place for the first time."
The supervisor checks the authorization form handed to her by the representative and then shows the latter where he should seat.
"When admitting a representative for the first time, there are a number of steps to follow. Your guidebook is a good reference but here are the main activities to complete:"
Another representative arrives, speaks with the supervisor and hands her her authorization form.
"Check their authorization form to make sure it contains all the correct information. Candidates do not need an authorization form."
The supervisor checks the form and leaves the scene for a few seconds. She returns holding a clipboard and administers an oath to the representative, has her sign the form and then she herself fills in the part of the form reserved for the electoral officer.
"Administer the oath on the form to the representative, have it signed, then fill out the officer section."
The supervisor separates the two copies, folds the yellow copy, which she inserts into a plastic badge holder and ensures that the name of the political party represented shows on the front.
"Separate the 2 copies, fold the yellow copy, and insert it in a plastic badge holder with an identification badge for the political party they represent on the front. Make sure the election officer section on the back is visible."
In the background, the first representative is sitting reading a document. The supervisor hands the badge to the other representative and shows her where to sit.
"Give the badge to the representative as well as a copy of the guidelines and show her where she should sit to observe."
The representative takes her place, turns to the other representative and they shake hands.