Candidates’ Representatives

What are candidates’ representatives permitted to do and not do at polling stations?
Refer to the Guidelines for Candidates’ Representatives (EC 20045, pages 2 and 3).

Are photocopies of the Authorization of a Candidate’s Representative (EC 20020) allowed at the polls?
No. Photocopies are not permitted. Only the two-part (white and yellow) forms are valid.

Can a candidate’s representative request that an elector take an Oath of Residence?
Yes. A DRO, poll clerk, candidate or candidates’ representative who has reasonable doubts concerning the residence of an elector whose pieces of identification do not prove the elector’s residence but are consistent with the information on the list of electors may request that the elector take the prescribed oath, in which case the residence is deemed to have been proven only if the elector takes that oath (CEA ss. 143(3.2)).

What is the minimum age of a candidate’s representative?
The CEO recommends that candidate’s representatives be at least 16 years old; however, there are no minimum age requirements in the CEA.

Do candidates’ representatives have to be qualified electors?
No - Candidates’ representatives do not have to be qualified as electors (CPS Guidebook p.14).

How often is the Statement of Electors who voted at the Advance Polls forms (Bingo Sheets) (EC 50109) made available to candidates’ representatives?
These forms are provided, on request, once a day after the close of the advance polls (CEA par. 162(i.2).

How often is the Statement of Electors who voted on Polling Day forms (Bingo Sheets) (EC 50111) made available to candidates’ representatives?
These forms are provided, on request, every 60 minutes (CEA par. 162 (i.1).

Are candidates’ representatives allowed to examine the list of electors?
Yes. During voting hours, candidates’ representatives can examine the list of electors with the deputy returning officer, provided their examination does not delay an elector in casting his or her vote (See Guidelines for Candidates’ Representatives (EC 20045)).

Can Candidates’ Representatives handle an elector’s proof of identification?
No. Candidates’ representatives can request to examine, but not handle, an elector’s identification when the DRO is verifying proof of identity and residence – electors may vote even if they refuse to allow the representative to examine their identification, and election officers will keep a record of such situations in the Poll Book and the Advance Poll Book (See Guidelines for Candidates’ Representatives (EC 20045)).

What colours can the candidates’ representatives wear?
Candidate’s representatives may not wear colours or emblems in the polling place that would indicate support for any candidate or party (CEA par. 166 (1)(b)).