It was quite the marathon, but the federal election is behind us and we have a new government. I saw the election from a different perspective - I was a central poll supervisor, running one of the polling stations. It was an interesting experience.
For all those who complain about the cost of elections, this is where most of the money goes - to pay the people who manage the process. Over 230,000 people need to be recruited, interviewed, trained and prepared to make your experience as simple as possible.
As the central poll supervisor, I had to complete the training for all four positions at the polling station, plus another session specific to my job. It's a lot to take in, but Elections Canada did a pretty good job of making sure we knew what to do.
All that training was like going to a childbirth class with my wife. There is so much information to absorb you don't really remember most of it until things get going. Once we opened the polling station, it all came flooding back. My day started at 5:30 a.m., putting up signs pointing to the polling station. My crew showed up at 6 a.m., and an hour later the doors opened with about 10 people in line, waiting. Almost as much excitement as an Apple
iPhone launch! Well, maybe not, but it should be.
The polling place I ran was in my neighbourhood, which is one of the reasons I take a vacation day and work the election. It's like an open house to me. All my neighbours stop by, some I haven't seen for a while. It gives me a chance to say hi and have a quick chat. The challenging part was when someone comes in without proper ID.
I've known many of these people for close to 20 years. My kids have grown up with their kids. But I can't let them vote because the passport doesn't have proof of their address. Rules are rules. "No, I'm not kidding, I need proof of your address, even though we've lived on the same street since 2002." That one got some funny looks. By the way, I'm finished with the sander I borrowed;
I'll drop it off tomorrow.
I think the best part of the day was seeing the scrutineers. These are volunteers from the political parties that witness the process and make sure there are no irregularities or concerns. (Remember the part about needing an address from my neighbour? That's why.) At one point I looked over, and the Conservative and NDP scrutineers were having a great conversation, getting along like they were old friends. It was a heartwarming contrast to all the rhetoric, insults and misinformation that gets thrown around during a campaign.
It was a long day, ending at 11:30 p.m. But the result was a fair, impartial process conducted without incident. Not many countries can claim that luxury.
Congratulations to Carla Qualtrough, our new MP. For Jeremy Leveque and Anthony Devellano, thanks for putting your name on a ballot and being part of the process. And to Kerry-Lynne Findlay, thank you for all you accomplished as our MP these past four years, and best of luck to you, whatever your future may bring.
Brad Sherwin, MBA has over 25 years' experience in marketing, public relations and business strategy. This was his fourth election working the polls, both federal and provincial.
