On Monday, election day, Bev Genge started by deciding what outfit to wear while she works as a Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) at the Alex Hope Elementary polling station.

Because government policy forbids election officers from wearing certain colours, she has a limited number of choices, Genge explained.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e not allowed to wear any of the candidates鈥� colours,鈥� Genge told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淣o blue (Conservative), red (Liberal) or green.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檒l probably wear white and black,鈥� she laughed.

鈥淲hatever I find in my closet at 5 a.m.鈥�

This will be her second election working at a polling station.

Her first time was the last provincial election.

Genge will work from before the polls open to after they close, making sure the polling station opens and closes on time, including setting up the poll with the necessary supplies.

READ MORE: Advanced polls saw 4.7 million Canadians cast their ballots in the 2019 federal election

As a DRO, it鈥檚 her job to make sure that a prospective elector provides satisfactory proof of identity and address before voting.

There are many ways to qualify by providing two pieces of ID, according to the Elections Canada website.

Acceptable ID includes a driving licence, or other card issued by a federal, provincial or municipal government with a person鈥檚 name, address and photo (A full list of accepted IDs can be found on the website.

If someone managed to show up without any of the required documentation, Genge said, they will be given a chance t get it an come back.

People can still vote without ID if they declare their identity and address in writing and have someone who is assigned to the same polling station vouch for them.

The voucher must be able to prove their identity and address.

DROs are expected to be 鈥渢actful and exercise good judgment鈥� and 鈥渞emain polite and courteous,鈥� according to Electyions Canada.

Genge is charged with handing the ballot to the elector with instructions, ensures candidates鈥� representatives follow the guidelines about not politicking at a polling station, removing any 鈥減artisan material.鈥�

One a person shows they are qualified, they are given their ballot.

READ MORE: Refugees in 2015, Syrians now citizens in time for 2019 federal election

Part of the system includes checking the ballot when it is returned to 鈥渧erify it is the same ballot we gave them,鈥� Genge elaborated.

Being one of the people who look after the ballots makes for a long day, she explained, and a day that doesn鈥檛 allow for many breaks because the polling boxes can never be left unattended.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e mostly sitting,鈥� Genge described.

鈥淔or a bathroom break, you have to put your hand up, like in school,鈥� she related.

After the polls close, Genge will counts the ballots, complete the related forms and transport the ballot box and related materials to the returning officer.

Political parties can and do send observers to monitor the count, and they are not allowed to interfere in any way.

dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter