Volume – I Election Fundamentals (04/2023)

Return to Manual

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The Returning Officer's Manual is your go-to guide to help you successfully conduct a federal electoral event.

Volume I – Election Fundamentals contains the legislative, communications, logistical, administrative and financial framework to manage returning officer's and additional assistant returning officer's offices, and external service points. It also covers crucial pre-event activities to ensure your electoral district's readiness for an event.

Chapters

• Styles in this manual
• Chapter 1 – Overview
• Chapter 2 – Accessibility
• Chapter 3 – Confidentiality and security guidelines
• Chapter 4 – Official languages
• Chapter 5 – Communications and public affairs
• Chapter 6 – Selecting polling places
• Chapter 7 – RO office operations
• Chapter 8 – Managing election materials
• Chapter 9 – Consultations with political parties
• Chapter 10 – Financial management
• Chapter 11 – Additional assistant returning officer
• Appendix A – Overview of your tasks before, during and after an electoral event
• Appendix B – Overview of obligations and prohibitions under the CEA
• Appendix C – Mailing and shipping procedures
• Appendix D – Handling accidents in the workplace

Checklists

• C1 Communication activities
• C2 Furniture and equipment rentals
• C3 RO office furniture and equipment overview
• C4 AARO office furniture and equipment overview

Figures

• Figure 1 Polling place accessibility status symbols
• Figure 2 External service point office layout (sample)
• Figure 3 RO office floor plan model
• Figure 4 AARO office floor plan model
• Figure 5 Service centre layout in the RO office (sample)
• Figure 6 Service agent workstation (general)
• Figure 7 RO office equipment set-up (small)
• Figure 8 RO office equipment set-up (medium)
• Figure 9 RO office equipment set-up (large)
• Figure 10 AARO office equipment set-up
• Figure 11 Monotainers

Tables

• Table 1 Visual presentation
• Table 2 Fifteen mandatory accessibility criteria
• Table 3 Acceptable terms to use when referring to people with disabilities
• Table 4 Suppliers with standing offers for office supplies
• Table 5 Recommended office supply kit
• Table 6 Inventory numbers for election materials
• Table 7 Lot numbers and colour codes for election materials
• Table 8 Election materials shipped to the AARO