Election Day Volunteer / Scrutineer

Election Day Volunteer / Scrutineer

Help the campaign stay organized on Election Day, including formally appointed scrutineer shifts where needed and permitted.
Behind the Scenes, Election Day

At a glance

Commitment

3–8 hours on Election Day, depending on assignment

When

Daytime, Election Day

Location

Peterborough voting locations and campaign operations

Format

In Person

Frequency & Schedule

Election Day, Event-Based

Most assignments will take place on Monday, October 26, 2026. Shift length and start time will depend on the role. A mandatory briefing will be scheduled before Election Day for anyone assigned as a scrutineer.

Why this role matters

Election Day has a lot of moving parts and almost no spare time for improvising. A trained Election Day team can handle check-ins, communications, lawful observation as scrutineers, and other campaign logistics without creating problems for election officials or voters.

What You'll Do

Attend the assigned Election Day briefing and understand the boundaries of your specific role
Check in with the campaign lead at the start and end of your assigned shift
If appointed as a scrutineer, present the required appointment form and follow all instructions from election officials
Observe election procedures without interfering with voters or election staff
Report permitted observations or operational issues back to the campaign lead
Support campaign logistics away from voting places when assigned

This could be a good fit if…

You can follow rules closely even when the day is busy
You stay calm, professional, and patient
You're comfortable observing and taking notes without inserting yourself into the process
You're reliable about arriving at an exact time and staying for the agreed shift
You understand that a voting place is not a place for campaigning
Scrutineer appointments are made in writing by the candidate and are subject to the City of Peterborough’s election procedures. Not every Election Day volunteer will be assigned as a scrutineer.

Before Your First Shift

A plain description of what a canvassing shift actually asks of you, so you can decide for yourself whether it fits.

Physical Activity

Assignments may involve sitting or standing for extended periods. Some campaign logistics outside voting places may involve walking or moving materials.

Training will cover Peterborough’s current voting procedures, the difference between campaign work and scrutineer duties, permitted observation, prohibited conduct, reporting, and the appointment paperwork required for scrutineers.

Equipment Provided

Required scrutineer appointment paperwork where applicable
Role instructions and campaign contact information
Note-taking materials where appropriate

Volunteer Brings

Government-issued identification if requested for the assigned role
Charged phone for communication away from restricted areas
Food, water, and any personal items needed for a longer shift
Professional, comfortable clothing suitable for the assignment

Campaigning is prohibited at voting places. Scrutineers may observe but must not interfere with voters, influence how anyone votes, or handle election materials. Campaign volunteers should not assist electors with the voting process unless expressly permitted by election officials.

Where possible, assignments can be matched to accessible voting locations or campaign tasks and can include seated roles. Let us know about accessibility needs before scheduling the shift.

If you need an accommodation or a different way to participate, tell us what would make the role workable. We can often adjust the task, schedule, location, pace, or tools.

Interested?

Expressing interest doesn’t commit you to a shift. Send us your information and someone from the campaign will follow up.

EXPRESS INTEREST

Interested in this opportunity?

Share your availability and any questions. This does not commit you to a shift.

Applying for: Election Day Volunteer / Scrutineer
First name * *
Last name (optional)
Email
Phone
Address (optional)
Postal code (helps us find shifts near you)
How should we reach you?
What would you like to help with?
Skills you'd like to use (optional)
When are you usually free?
Accessibility or accommodation needs (optional)
What made you want to get involved? (optional)
Contact and update permission * *

Expressing interest is not a commitment. Someone from the campaign will follow up before anything is scheduled. Volunteer applications are never published, your details are used only to organize volunteering, accommodation notes are seen only by the organizer, and you can ask to be removed at any time.

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