Descriptive text of "Counting and Reporting (foundation)" video

The animation begins:

The first scene shows a group of poll workers wearing masks while text appears on the screen.

"Counting the ballots and reporting the results are a team effort. Almost all poll workers are directly involved at a voting desk. This video explains how. Watch carefully for the role you'll be asked to take on."

The scene includes several transitions: a group of election officers during the count, a polling place, a person walking to a returning office and then officers counting the ballots.

"For some people, counting the ballots on election night is the most exciting task of the election. At ordinary polls it usually takes place at the polling place. Most advance poll counts take place at the RO office. There are always exceptions, but your returning officer will let you know. As you'll see, almost all poll workers are directly involved with the count. There are three different roles."

The scene shows a counter-handling ballots and is followed by several sequences showing a recorder recording the votes on a sheet and a supervisor overseeing the counting.

"The recorder is the person who keeps a record - on a document called the tally sheet - of the counter's decision about each ballot. The recorder doesn't make decisions about ballots, but can support the counter. The recorder is usually someone who has been a registration officer or an information officer during the day. Sometimes someone who has been a supervisor will be the recorder.
The counter and the recorder complete the count together. There is also at least one CPS supervising the count. They help and support, but they don't actually participate in the count. One supervisor can supervise many counts but they can't supervise and be a recorder at the same time."

The scene shows two candidate representatives wearing masks while the text appears on the screen.

"Candidates' and their representatives are allowed to observe. If there is none, there should be witnesses in the room. Witnesses, candidates and representatives don't participate in the count, though candidates and representatives can object to the counter's decision about a ballot."

Three guides are shown on the screen.

"Let's see how the count works. These are the main steps – detailed procedures are in the guidebook."

The scene shows an open guide with pages indicating how to set up the table, then a tally sheet is displayed and finally a counter that unseals a ballot box.

"The DRO gathers the materials needed for the count, organizes the table using the picture in the guidebook and prepares the tally sheet and envelopes they will need. They hand the tally sheet to the recorder. When the counter and recorder are both ready, the counter unseals the top of the ballot box."

The following scene shows a counter-performing the tasks described in the commentary and then the recorder marking the vote on the tally sheet.

"They take a ballot out of the box, check the initials and number on the back and unfold it. They decide whether to accept or reject it – using the diagrams in the guidebook as needed – and if they accept it, for which candidate. They say their decision out loud for everyone to hear, and show the marked ballot to everyone at the table. They put the ballot on the table, starting a pile of ballots for that candidate – or a pile of rejected ballots.
The recorder puts a mark in the column according to the counter's decision – for the candidate or for rejected ballots."

The scene again shows the counter handling the ballots and the recorder marking the votes.

"Then the counter takes out a second ballot and repeats the process until the ballot box is empty. Gradually the counter makes a pile of ballots for each candidate and a pile of rejected ballots, while the recorder makes a mark for each ballot in the correct column. Only the counter can touch or handle the ballots."

The scene shows a supervisor writing down information on a document.

"The supervisor makes sure that procedures are being followed, that witnesses are behaving properly, that health and safety protocols are being followed as much as possible and helps troubleshoot as necessary."

The next scene has several transitions: a ballot with a red "X" through it, three guides, a event Log, the back of a ballot and a supervisor and a candidate representative.

"Candidates and representatives can object to the counter's decision about a ballot. If it happens, follow the instructions in the guidebook. The objection must be noted in the events Log and the number of the objection is written on the ballot, but the decision about the ballot is made by the counter. Disagreements, in other words, do not have to be resolved, but they do have to be recorded. The supervisor can help, and if it happens repeatedly the supervisor must be involved."

The following scene shows a counter handling the ballots and performing the tasks described in the commentary with the recorder.

"The counter and the recorder compare numbers. If any numbers don't match, the counter recounts the ballots in that pile. If the numbers still don't match, there's no need to keep recounting. The number of actual counted ballots in each pile is used – not the number on the tally sheet. The recorder makes a note on the Tally Sheet."

The scene shows the counter inserting the ballots into a large envelope.

"The counter writes the number of ballots on each envelope, then puts the ballots into their envelope."

The next scene shows several transitions: a counter-recording the results, several Statement of the Vote envelopes, a completed and signed Statement of the Vote, and a supervisor making a phone call.

"The final stage is to record and report the results. The counter uses the numbers on the envelopes, and numbers from the Summary of the List to complete the Statement of the Vote. Both Counter and Recorder sign the Statement of the Vote - as do witnesses or candidates' representatives - and the supervisor calls in the results."

Three guides are displayed on the screen replaced by an infographic of four measures against COVID-19.

"The count is a fairly simple process. A few unusual things can happen, and the counter deals with them by referring to the instructions in the DRO guidebook, or by asking the supervisor for help. One more thing. Don't forget to stay healthy and safe during the count too! Use the four strategies as much as possible during the count."

The animation ends with the Elections Canada logo.