Poll Clerks are appointed by the Supervisor of Elections with approval from the Governor in Council, as outlined in the Elections Act, 1994 & Amendments. Their main duties include:

• Taking the official oath and submitting it to the Supervisor of Elections.
• Attending their assigned polling station from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on election day.
• Acting as Presiding Officer if necessary and reporting any such changes.
• Assisting in opening the ballot box in the presence of observers and handling advance poll ballots.
• Verifying voter names on the official list, recording entries in the poll book, and noting irregularities.
• Supporting the Presiding Officer during poll closing procedures and remaining during vote counting if serving as Tally Clerk.
• Observing all legal responsibilities and penalties as outlined in the Elections Act.

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Functions of the Poll Clerks

Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks play a vital role in managing polling stations on election day. Their key responsibilities include:

• Opening Duties: Arrive by 5:00 a.m., prepare ballot materials, open and display empty ballot boxes, and administer oaths.
• Voter Processing:
  • Poll Clerks verify voter details and record them in the poll book.
  • Presiding Officers issue and initial ballot papers, explain voting procedures, and manage the ballot boxes.
• Ballot Handling: Oversee advance, local, and territorial ballot voting, including issuing replacement ballots for spoiled ones.
• Special Voter Assistance: Provide support for voters who are physically challenged, blind, or illiterate, with proper oaths and documentation.
• Maintaining Order: Ensure order at the polling station, allowing only authorized individuals inside, and coordinating with police if needed.
• Closing Procedures: Allow voters in line by 6:00 p.m. to vote and follow legal steps for closing and securing ballots as per the Elections Act.

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Function of Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks at the Poll

Tally Clerks assist in the counting of votes under the supervision of the Returning Officer. Their main responsibilities include:

• Recording Votes: Mark each vote called out during counting and alert the Returning Officer after every batch of 20 votes by announcing “Tally.”
• Verifying Counts: Collaborate with other Tally Clerks to confirm vote totals before announcements.
• Organizing Ballots:
  • Record tallies on a board.
  • Group ballots with clips and sort them into designated bins and envelopes.
  • Separate and store rejected ballots appropriately.
• Final Steps: Sign off on envelopes containing the final vote counts for each candidate at the end of the count.

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Duties of the Tally Clerks

A Returning Officer plays a crucial role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections. Their key responsibilities include:

• Issuing Election Writs: Receive and act on official writs to conduct elections within a designated district.
• Managing Nominations: Publish notices, receive nomination papers, verify candidate eligibility, and handle withdrawals or uncontested declarations.
• Overseeing Polling: Set up polling stations, assign election staff, and ensure proper equipment and materials are in place.
• Ensuring Order: Maintain law and order around polling stations and enforce rules against voter influence or campaign activity on election day.
• Supervising Vote Counting: Secure ballot boxes, conduct transparent counting of votes, address objections, and manage recounts if required.
• Declaring Results: Certify and return the names of elected candidates, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with the law.
• Post-Election Duties: Submit election reports, preserve election materials, and return all official documents and equipment.

Please Check Document for detail information :-

Duties Of Returning Officers

Counting Officers assist Returning Officers in ensuring an accurate and lawful count of votes during General Elections, especially in the Territorial electoral district. Their responsibilities include:

• Supporting the Returning Officer in completing the Territorial District Polling Division Count Report.
• Following procedures outlined in Section 52 of the Elections Act 1994.
• Being assigned and supervised by Returning Officers for the Local Electoral District.
• Deferring to the Returning Officer for final decisions on disputed ballots.
• Carefully reviewing guidelines in Sections 52(1)(f) and 52(2) concerning rejected ballots.

Please Check Document for detail information :-

Duties of Counting Officers

The key responsibilities of Presiding Officers & Poll Clerks include:

• Assisting Vote Count: Support the Returning Officer in counting votes, especially in the Territorial electoral district.
• Completing Reports: Help prepare the Territorial District Polling Division Count Report after each polling division is counted.
• Handling Ballot Disputes: Refer any questionable ballots to the Returning Officer, who will make the final decision.
• Following Procedures:
     i.Ensure compliance with Section 52 of the Elections Act.
     ii.Handle rejected ballots as outlined in Sections 52(1)(f) and 52(2).
• Final Steps: Confirm vote totals, assist with organizing ballots, and ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.

Please Check Document for detail information :-

Duties of Presiding Officers & Poll Clerks

Key Updates from the Elections (Amendment) Act, 2019 :

• Electronic Voting Introduced: Allows for the use of electronic poll books and tabulating systems alongside manual voting.
• By-Election Provisions: Outlines clear timelines and procedures for holding by-elections when a seat becomes vacant.
• Updated Ballot Design: Distinctive formats for Territorial and local electoral districts under both voting systems.
• Poll Agents & Observers: Sets limits and rules for the number of polling and counting agents per party or candidate.
• Advance Polling Rules: Expands eligibility and procedures for advance voting, including for prisoners and travelers.
• Election Integrity Measures: Includes mandatory equipment testing, result verification, and recount protocols.
• Code of Conduct: Enforces fair campaigning, prohibits intimidation, bribery, and hate speech during elections.

Please Check Document for detail information :-

Elections (Amendment) Act 2019