Descriptive text of "Running the Polling Place" video

The animation begins:

The scene features two supervisors wearing masks while the text is displayed on the screen, joined by two information clerks.

"Supervisors supervise voting procedures, the functioning of the polling place, and the team of poll workers who work at it. This video looks at the functioning of the polling place. Information officers are coordinated, supervised and supported by a supervisor, and that team is responsible for running the polling place."

A transition scene shows electors lined up with information officers and a supervisor.

"The specific tasks depend on the building and on the electors, who arrive to vote, as well as how many information officers there are and how the supervisor coordinates them but this video describes how things typically work."

The next scene shows a supervisor writing on a checklist, then setting up a chair and giving instructions to the election workers.

"The returning officer may ask at least one supervisor to visit the polling place a week or so before voting days to make last-minute checks and plans. Supervisors might also collect the poll materials from the office.
Supervisors usually arrive at the polling place early. They begin set-up, assign tasks to information officers as they arrive and supervise DROs and registration officers as they set up their stations."

The transition scene shows a supervisor making a phone call while the text appears on the screen.

"A supervisor calls the office if there are any problems they can't solve. They make sure that each information officer knows the task set for them, and they call the office when everything is ready, supervisors make sure that the polls open on time. They call the office again to confirm that the poll has opened on time."

The scene shows a supervisor with an information officer.

"Supervisors regularly observe and check-in with information officers to make sure things are going well. They might switch information officers from one task to another as needed and depending on competence and preferences. Supervisors might act as information officers at some times through the day when an extra pair of hands or some leadership is needed."

The scene shows several election officers and electors at a polling place and then a transition shows an image of a polling place surrounded by two information officers.

"Information officers are often posted along the route between the entrance to the building and the voting room, directing electors and visitors and assisting them as needed. In large buildings this task alone might need several information officers. If the entrance is hard to find, there may even be information officers outside the building. In small buildings where the voting room is near the front door, this task may not be needed at all."

The next scene shows several transitions: an officer opening a door, then electors lining up, and finally an officer greeting an elector.

"It's worth noting that these information officers are probably not all asking electors if they have a voter card and ID – usually only information officers at the door of the voting room do this."

The scene has several transitions: an information officer in front of a group of electors, handing out disinfectant gel and a mask to a elector and then disinfecting his hands.

"Information officers – usually those outside the voting room – also implement several health and safety measures at the polling place. Some of these measures depend on local public health directives, so your returning officer or supervisor will tell you what's needed. Near the entrance of the building, electors are reminded and encouraged to wear a mask. Masks are given to electors who don't have one, but electors don't have to wear a mask in order to vote. Hand sanitizer is available near the entrance."

The next scene shows a staff member taking information and then cleaning various surfaces at the voting location. The scene ends with a shot of the supervisor.

"In some places, public health directives may require us to gather information – usually name and phone number - for contract tracing. That would also usually happen near the entrance to the building. Inside the voting room, one or more information officers will also wipe down tables and other surfaces regularly during voting hours.
At very small polling places, all these things might happen inside the voting room. Either way, information officers are making it happen, supported and supervised by a supervisor."

The scene is over a group of voters in a line-up.

"The guidebooks include some ideas about what to do if there are long line-ups. The supervisor works with information officers to make things as easy and efficient as possible, but most electors are patient. A smile and an explanation are always part of a good strategy for dealing with line-ups!"

The scene shows the supervisor recording information on a checklist and then supervising the work of a poll worker.

"The supervisor keeps an eye on how things are going, using checklists in their guidebook from time to time to make sure. How supervisors do this is really important too. The supervisor helps and supports people to get it right. Good supervisors are helpful and supportive rather than frustrated and critical!"

The next scene shows several transitions of the clerk performing his tasks at the polling place and then two information clerks appear on the screen along with several hand pictograms with thumbs up.

"As you can see, the information officer's job is quite a varied one. Each information officer may do a bit of everything, or may focus on one particular area. A lot depends on the polling place and on the team of poll workers at it. Either way, polling places cannot function without information officers, and many of the compliments Elections Canada receives during an election are because of the great job an information officer did!"

The last scene features an infographic representing some of the rules and procedures at the voting place.

"The supervisor coordinates this team, and together they ensure a safe, accessible and enjoyable experience for everyone."

The animation ends with the Elections Canada logo.