Election Hiring in 2026
About election jobs
With over 55 locations and over 350 election workers required to assist on election day, we need your help! You can apply to work during advance voting (October 13 to 17) and on election day (October 26). The time commitment for election jobs depends on the position.
Overview of election jobs
| Managing Deputy Returning Officer (MDRO) | poll supervisor, responsible for leading the election work team at their location |
| Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) | verifies voter eligibility, strikes them from the electronic voters list and provides the voter a ballot |
| Tabulator Assistant (TA) | assists voters with depositing their ballot in the ballot box |
| Election Assistant (EA) | ensures the voter is in the correct location with appropriate identification and/or forms |
Check the City of Kitchener job board in mid‑to‑late July for full position details and requirements.
Eligibility
If you meet the criteria below, you are eligible to apply for an election job:
- you are legally entitled to work in Canada
- you have access to a personal email address that’s not shared with anyone else
- you are not a family member of an individual running in the 2026 City of Kitchener municipal and school board election
Election workers cannot engage in political activity in the 2026 municipal and school board election, including:
- supporting or opposing a candidate before or during an election
- seeking nomination or being a candidate in the election
Time commitment
The time commitment for election jobs depends on the position and the number of voting days worked.
Training
Training sessions are mandatory and will be offered between September 28 and October 9, 2026.
- managing deputy returning officer: approximately 6 hours
- deputy returning officer: approximately 4 hours
- tabulator assistant: approximately 2 hours
- election assistant: approximately 1 hour
Advance voting days
- all positions: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (approximate)
Election Days
- all positions: 9 a.m. to approximately 9 p.m.
Compensation
You can find this information about compensation below:
If you have any questions, send us an email.
Pay rates
Rates of pay depend on the position and hours worked:
- Managing Deputy Returning Officer (MDRO)
- advance voting days: $32.65 (hourly rate, pay is based on hours worked)
- election day: $587.00 (includes training)
- Deputy Returning Office (DRO)
- advance voting days: $24.04 (hourly rate, pay is based on hours worked)
- election day: $385.00 (includes training)
- Tabulator Assistant (TA)
- advance voting days: $22.88 (hourly rate, pay is based on hours worked)
- election day: $320.00 (includes training)
- Election Assistant (EA)
- advance voting days: $20 (hourly rate, pay is based on hours worked)
- election day: $260 (includes training)
Payment schedule
We will provide payment through electronic fund transfer (EFT) after election day, October 26. Our target date for EFT is a maximum of six weeks after October 26, 2026.
Deduction and income tax
If you work a minimum of 35 hours or earn $500 or more, you will have Federal and Provincial income tax, Employment Insurance (EI), and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) premiums deducted from your pay. We will only issue a T4 slips if you earn more than $500 or work more than 35 hours.
Accessibility
We’re committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We’re committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Please let us know if you need accommodations and we will work with you to meet your needs.
How to apply
Please subscribe to this page for updates, the application is anticipated to open mid-to-late July.
Land acknowledgement
The City of Kitchener is situated on the traditional territory of the Chonnonton, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee Peoples. We recognize our responsibility to act as stewards for the land and honour the original caretakers who came before us. Our community is enriched by the enduring knowledge and deep-rooted traditions of the diverse First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples who live in Kitchener today.