Elections Alberta braces for massive recruitment drive: 60,000 workers needed

Elections Alberta has launched the largest recruitment campaign in the province's history to fill 60,000 positions ahead of the October 19 referendum, a staffing challenge created by the sheer scope of the vote.

Albertans will decide on 10 separate referendum questions, each printed on its own ballot. That's a ballot-counting operation unlike any previous provincial election—and it's why Elections Alberta, which normally has 48 permanent staff, needs an unprecedented temporary workforce.

The agency received more than 6,500 applications within three days of opening recruitment. It's now running media campaigns, social media ads, radio placements, and targeted outreach through schools, municipalities, and community organizations. Returning officers in each electoral division are also conducting local outreach, with special focus on rural areas where uptake may be slower.

Applications are routed to the returning officer in the applicant's electoral division. Staff review credentials and contact qualified candidates by phone or email to discuss roles. Successful applicants receive assignments and training schedules by email. All election workers must complete online and classroom training and pass a criminal record check before voting day.

Elections Alberta says it's confident it will meet its 60,000-person target while maintaining a "robust and secure" referendum process. The agency has managed large temporary field workforces for electoral events before and has established processes to handle it.