2026 Municipal Elections

Apply to be an election worker

The City of Waterloo is recruiting workers for the 2026 municipal elections. Applications are now open.

On this page:

  1. Available positions
  2. Voting Day
  3. Training
  4. How to apply
  5. Contact us

Positions available

There are a number of positions available for interested volunteers to help run voting locations and provide support to residents on Voting Day. All positions will report to the Managing Deputy Returning Officer (MDRO) for their voting location.

Volunteers will receive training and recognition pay based on their position.

Volunteer recognition: $225

  • Check voter eligibility, and complete any required oaths/declarations when needed
  • Issue ballots and provide voting instructions when required
  • Accept and process voter list updates and related election forms as directed
  • Keep track of ballots and complete end-of-day paperwork
  • Support vote counting and closing procedures
  • Help with other tasks assigned by the City Clerk or designate

Volunteer recognition: $200

  • Help set up and use the online voters list equipment
  • Help voters update their information and complete the required forms
  • Process and certify voters list amendments on site
  • Confirm voters on the list and support issuing the correct ballots
  • Assist with paperwork, ballot tracking, and end-of-day procedures
  • Help with other tasks assigned by the City Clerk or designate

Volunteer recognition: $200

  • Help set up and use the online voters list equipment
  • Look up voters in the online voters list tool
  • Update the list and confirm the correct poll/ballot information for the DRO
  • Help with forms, ballot tracking, and end-of-day procedures
  • Assist the MDRO and DRO as needed
  • Help with other tasks assigned by the City Clerk or designate

Volunteer recognition: $175

  • Greet voters and help keep lines moving
  • Direct voters to the correct voting table
  • Explain the ballot-marking process when asked
  • Assist election staff as needed throughout the day
  • Help keep the voting place tidy and follow any health and safety requirements in place
  • Help with other tasks as assigned by the City Clerk or designate

Volunteer recognition if not assigned to work: $25

  • Remain available by phone during the election period, including in the days and weeks before Voting Day
  • Be prepared to accept a work assignment on short notice
  • Report to the assigned voting location at the required date and time
  • Perform the duties of the assigned position if called in

If you are assigned to work, you will receive the full volunteer recognition amount for that position instead of the $25 standby amount. 

Voting Day

On Voting Day, election workers:

  • arrive at their voting location by 9 a.m.
  • work until about 9 p.m.
  • may need to stay later for counting and cleanup (until the MDRO releases you)
  • must arrange their own transportation

Voting Day is Monday, October 26, 2026.

Training

We will provide training before Voting Day so volunteers understand the city's election rules, policies and procedures.

Some roles may require extra training.

How to apply

Applications are now open. After you submit your application, you'll receive an automated email confirming that we received it. We will contact all applicants in September to let them know whether they have been selected.

Apply now

Contact us

Contact us if you have questions about the working in the municipal election: