Volume – I Election Fundamentals (09/2019)

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 Logistics
• 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 RO 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 Equipment to Rent
• C3 Furniture to Rent

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 Service Centre Set-up in the RO Office (sample)
• Figure 5 Service Agent Workstation (General)
• Figure 6 RO Office Equipment Set-up (small)
• Figure 7 RO Office Equipment Set-up (medium)
• Figure 8 RO Office Equipment Set-up (large)
• Figure 9 AARO Office Equipment Set-up
• Figure 10 AARO-ESP Office Equipment Set-up (small)
• Figure 11 AARO-ESP Office Equipment Set-up (medium)
• Figure 12 AARO-ESP Office Equipment Set-up (large)
• Figure 13 Monotainers
• Figure 14 Workplace Accident Procedure for ROs

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 Inventory Numbers for Election Materials
• Table 6 Lot Numbers and Colour Codes for Election Materials
• Table 7 Election Materials Shipped to the AARO