Supervisory Deputy Returning Officers (SDROs) provide top-level supervision at voting locations by overseeing all election workers, ensuring that voting procedures are running smoothly, and addressing any problems that arise at the voting locations.
Responsibilities:
- Preparing the voting locations for the election (inspecting the voting place; arranging access and receiving keys – in advance of the first day of voting
- Contacting election workers prior to the first day of voting and to confirm shift assignments
- Supervising the voting place set-up and testing the technology to ensure it is working
- Calling in to the Returning Office to confirm the voting location is ready to receive voters
- Supervising voting place activities and the quality of work completed by other election officers
- Managing candidate representatives (scrutineers)
- Tracking and distributing ballots to voting stations as required throughout voting
- Acting as the first level of support if troubleshooting technology is required
- Providing assistance to voters
- Maintaining peace and order in the voting place
- Removing material from the voting place for return to the returning office
- Compiling information from the unofficial count onto the Statement of Vote and reporting results to the Returning Officer
- Supervise polling place take down and packing electronic equipment
Specific Skills:
- Demonstrated proficiency and capability with troubleshooting computers, printers, and other electronic equipment, including:
- Familiarity with troubleshooting basic problems that may be experienced by users,
- Providing support over the phone on various software systems, and
- Taking on additional training with software and equipment to support election officers
- Proficient with troubleshooting equipment, solving common problems with technology, and providing support to workers at the office or at voting locations
- Able to execute sound judgement when dealing with complex issues and problems in the voting location
- Prior experience with managing small teams and addressing performance issues
- Good interpersonal communication skills and ability to deal with the public
- Able to work for long stretches of time (up to 13 hours) and maintain focus