Canada Elections Act (S.C. 2000, c. 9)

Marginal note:Candidate may act as representative

• 137. (1) A candidate may perform the duties of a representative of the candidate, or may assist the representative in the performance of those duties, and may be present at any place that the representative is authorized to attend under this Act.

• Marginal note:Non-attendance of representatives

  (2) The non-attendance of a representative of a candidate at any time or place authorized by this Act does not in any way invalidate any act or thing done during the absence of the representative if the act or thing is otherwise duly done.

Marginal note:Initialling ballots

• 138. (1) Before a polling station opens on polling day, and in full view of the candidates or their representatives who are present at the polling station, the deputy returning officer shall initial the back of every ballot in the space indicated in Form 3 of Schedule 1, entirely in ink or entirely in black pencil so that when the ballot is folded the initials can be seen. The initials shall be as similar as possible on each ballot.

• Marginal note:Ballots not to be detached

  (2) For the purpose of initialling, the ballots shall not be detached from the books in which they are contained.

• Marginal note:Vote not to be delayed

  (3) The opening of a polling station shall not be delayed for the purpose of initialling the ballots. Ballots that are not initialled when the polling station opens shall be initialled as soon as possible and in all cases before being handed to electors.

Marginal note:Counting of ballots before opening of poll

139. Candidates or their representatives who are in attendance at least 15 minutes before a polling station opens are entitled to have the ballots intended to be used at the polling station carefully counted in their presence and to inspect the ballots and all other documents relating to the vote.

Marginal note:Examining and sealing ballot box

140. When the polling station opens, the deputy returning officer shall, in full view of the candidates or their representatives who are present, open the ballot box and ascertain that it is empty, and shall

• (a) seal the ballot box with the seals provided by the Chief Electoral Officer; and

• (b) place the ballot box on a table in full view of all present and ensure that the box remains there until the polling station closes.

Marginal note:Calling electors

141. Immediately after the ballot box is sealed, the deputy returning officer shall call on the electors to vote.

Marginal note:Electors not to be impeded

• 142. (1) The deputy returning officer shall ensure that every elector is admitted into the polling station and that the electors are not disturbed when they are in or near the polling station.

• Marginal note:One elector at a time

  (2) A deputy returning officer may, if he or she considers it advisable, direct that not more than one elector for each voting compartment may at any time enter the room where the voting is held.