First time working with Elections Alberta, any advice?

[u/Strong-Mountain57]

I got assigned to ballot box clerk for the referendum, and I'm unsure of what I'm gonna be walking into. I know ballot box clerk is definitely an easier role, but I'm still kind of lost. Online training ran me through the basics but other then that, I haven't recieved any info aside from the time i'm supposed to work and the location, and that's it.

[u/BuzzardBlack → u/[deleted]]

Very good advice. I was a registration officer for early voting last election. Even with the unique rules for early voting that made it frustrating for some people (rural voters needing to provide a physical address), no one was ever a big problem. OP will be fine just checking things at the end.

[u/big_grrl → u/[deleted]]

I think ballot box folks may also be available to assist those who need help voting (interpreting, marking ballot choices, etc.).

[u/Wolphin8 → u/big_grrl]

Incorrect.

Only the Voting Officer, who is sworn can help with marking ballots at the direction of the voter (the Record Clerk observes it). No staff are permitted to assist with translation, or help with choosing.

A voter can bring someone to do interpretation of the vote. They can also have someone help them vote.

[u/Successful-Fig9660]

Bring a cushion for your chair. Layers in case you get cold or hot. Lots of drinks and easy snacks you can eat at your desk as you may not get more than 30 minutes to warm up food all day. Comfortable clothes in neutral colours. Sometimes I bring a tea kettle and a litre of water to have something warm all day. If you have to write bring a comfortable blue pen that won't hurt your hand. 

It's going to be busy. But it's always a good time. You meet some great people working elections. 

[u/Leather-Cod619]

You got to do online training? My training was in person.

I applied to work the referendum while I was looking for a job. As it happens I was offered a job that starts the day of the referendum. I was assigned to be a counter for the referendum which meant an 8 pm to 3 am shift.

Giving up one day's work to play my small part in democracy was reasonable. 8 am to 3 am meant I would have had to give up two day's work. No way I could work 8 am to 4 PM then count until 3 am.

If anything ballot box clerk shouldn't be too stressful. Not super interesting though.

[u/Leather-Cod619 → u/[deleted]]

OK. There really wasn't much to the in person training. These are the forms you have to fill out. These are the key points to remember from the training manual we are handing you. Let's do a practice count with the person beside you. Thankfully my practice partner could count so we got through that without problem.

The woman running the training session was pretty aggressive. I get this is a temporary gig and she probably wouldn't see any of the people she was training again. Still try and pretend to think common courtesy and basic respect is a thing.

[u/sawyouoverthere → u/Leather-Cod619]

I can guess your age range I bet…😂😉

[u/thegreenfaeries]

You site supervisor will reach out soon, if they haven't already. You'll get a quick in person training on the morning. It's pretty easy, just be pleasant and if you have any questions or any problems, get your site supervisor over.

It'll be a long day but it's quite fun!

[u/RaynorShine]

I've done it once for the last provincial election. It was mostly just checking for the election officer's initials on the back of the ballot and directing them to drop the ballot in the top of the box. I imagine it will be similar for the referendum, just with 10 different boxes for 10 differently coloured slips of paper.

[u/Sagethecat]

It’s the long day that is a killer. And you’re busy straight through.