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Serving locally: Canada.
A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Australia.
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Serving locally: Canada
Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally
Local services depend on residents who give some of their time, from one day at an election to a seat on an advisory board. This sheet helps you find a role that fits.
Ways to serve
- Advisory boards and commissions on subjects such as parks, libraries or accessibility.
- Election work, run by the official election office.
- School governing boards, community councils and volunteer roles with public services.
Ask before you apply
- Who is eligible, and are there background checks?
- How much time does it take, and what training is provided?
- Is it paid, or are expenses covered?
- Are there rules about political activity?
Where to look
- Your local government’s website, under boards, committees or vacancies.
- Your official election office for election work.
- The official sources on the back of this sheet.
Stay impartial
- Election workers serve every voter equally.
- Questions about voting go to your official election office.
In Canada
- Poll workers. Elections Canada hires poll workers for federal elections, in roles from the deputy returning officer, who handles the ballots, to the information officer, who directs electors to the right table.
- Who can apply. Canadian citizens who are at least 16 years old on election day are invited to apply. Poll workers need skills such as basic literacy, impartiality and attention to detail, and must be able to work long days of at least 13 hours.
- Staying nonpartisan. Poll workers must not take part in partisan political activity during the days they work, until the ballots are counted on election night.
- Other election jobs. Elections Canada also hires administrative staff for local offices and its headquarters. Its employment page lists current opportunities and how to apply.
Official places to check:
- Elections Canada: www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=emp&dir=pos&document=index&lang=e
- Elections Canada: www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=emp&document=index&lang=e
General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally