About the Board

This sheet gives some brief information on the role of Scrutineers during Board conducted votes.

Scrutineers immediately bring any concerns about the conduct of the vote to the attention of the Returning Officer. Returning Officers are responsible for reviewing the situation and taking whatever action is appropriate.

Each party to a vote can appoint a Scrutineer prior to the conduct of the vote. Parties are asked to advise the Board in writing of the appointed Scrutineer. Only one Scrutineer for each party can be present at a polling station during the taking or counting of a vote. Additional Scrutineers are only allowed when the officer gives special permission.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SCRUTINEER
1.	Report to the Returning Officer at least 15 minutes before voting time.
2.	Examine the ballot box before it is sealed to make sure it is empty.
3.	Review the Voter's List with the Returning Officer and other Scrutineer for errors or omissions.
4.	Station yourself near the ballot box, beside the Returning Officer. The Returning Officer has the authority to ask you to distance yourself from the ballot box if parties feel your presence may have an intimidating or threatening effect on the vote.
5.	Keep your own record of each person issued a ballot.
6.	Immediately challenge any person whose eligibility is in question. Voters on the list can be challenged, as can unlisted persons who ask to vote. Raise the challenge before the person is given a ballot. The Returning Officer double seals disputed ballots. See the Board's information sheet on Double Sealed Ballots.
7.	Immediately tell the Returning Officer of any incidents you feel are inappropriate during the vote. The Scrutineer's role is to make the Returning Officer aware of problems. The Returning Officer is responsible to remedy the problem and may ask request the Scrutineers for help if necessary.
8.	Keep discussions with voters to an absolute minimum. Other Scrutineers or voters have interpreted general conversations with a voter as an attempt to influence the voter. Direct questions on a voter's eligibility through the Returning Officer.
9.	After the vote and before counting the ballots, sign the Scrutineer's Certificate. The Scrutineer's Certificate verifies that all employees that voted were properly identified as being entitled to vote and that the vote was conducted in a fair and proper manner. As noted in points 5 and 6, raise alleged irregularities or objections during the conduct of the vote. Scrutineers who refuse to sign the certificate for any reason should have raised their concerns with the Returning Officer during the vote.
10.	The Scrutineer may be asked to help the Returning Officer count the ballots. A ballot count will only take place if there are no double sealed ballots.

For more details on the duties of a Scrutineer, see Information Bulletin #14 Section (iv) and the Voting Rules Section 12.


Role of a Scrutineer