The City of Edmonton is hiring over 5,000 people for this year's election

Edmonton’s municipal election is coming up fast, and if you’re looking to make some extra cash this fall, it might be worth considering a job at a polling station.

Edmontonians will cast their votes on Oct. 20, choosing a new mayor, city councillors, and school board trustees. To help things run smoothly, thousands of temporary workers will be needed behind the scenes.

Edmonton Elections is currently hiring for more than 5,000 positions for both Election Day and advance voting. There’s a variety of roles and shift options available, whether you’re looking for a one-day gig or something a little longer.

It’s a solid way to gain experience, add something new to your resume, learn how local elections work, and earn a paycheque at the end of it all.

To apply, you need to be eligible to work in Canada and at least 16 years old. Some roles require applicants to be 18 or older.

Advance voting takes place from Oct. 7 to 11, followed by Election Day on Oct. 20. Depending on the position, you could be scheduled during either or both periods.

Roles range from setting up safe, accessible voting stations to greeting voters and guiding them through the process. There are also standby positions available to cover last-minute absences or provide extra support where needed.

Here are some of the roles available:

Presiding Deputy

The Presiding Deputy leads the voting station team. This means you will:

• Lead the setup and take-down of the voting station
• Ensure that the voting process runs efficiently, effectively and in compliance with legislated requirements
• Assign roles and responsibilities to election workers
• Connect with visitors
• Ensure reporting is accurate
• Resolve issues and keep processes organized

Pay: $449.84/$1,686.90 (one day/five days)
Number of position openings: Up to 245
Work Location: Various locations across the city

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Assistant Presiding Deputy

The Assistant Presiding Deputy works directly with the Presiding Deputy to ensure the smooth running of the voting station. This means you will:

• Help ensure the voting station is set up and organized, and that the voting process runs efficiently
• Assist the Presiding Deputy in tracking ballot usage, records and data
• Manage ballots and essential supplies, coordinating resupply
• Fill in for the Presiding Deputy, as needed, and help cover breaks for other members of the voting station team

Pay: $391.80/$1,451.10 (one day/five days)
Number of position openings: Up to 234
Work Location: Various locations across the city

Deputy Returning Officer

Reporting to the Presiding Deputy, the Deputy Returning Officer plays a key role in leading the voting process. This means you will:

• Welcome voters, confirm voters are in the correct voting station, manage lineups, answer questions and provide accessibility supports
• Verify identification, manage registrations and issue ballots
• Ensure efficient ballot casting, confirm ballots are properly issued and placed in the appropriate ballot box

Pay: $325.15/$1,264.46 (one day/five days)
Number of position openings: Up to 1,754
Work Location: Various locations across the city

Count Supervisor

The Count Supervisor ensures the accurate counting of votes and oversees a team of up to 20 count workers. This means you will:

• Organize the counting process, review procedures with your team and guarantee adherence to established protocols
• Collect and compile relevant information and forms
• Report unofficial election results

Pay: $128.53 to $160.66 (plus training)
Number of position openings: Up to 249
Work Location: Voting Stations across the city

Count Worker

The Count Worker sorts and validates ballots, and counts and records votes. This means you will:

• Prepares ballots by sorting and stacking them
• Count votes and record results on the designated form
• Assist with site setup and closure

Pay: $96.34 to $120.42 (plus training)
Number of position openings: Up to 1,995
Work Location: Voting Stations across the city

More information and how to apply can be found on the City of Edmonton’s website.