Elections Ontario is proud to facilitate a truly democratic process in its electoral systems. The voting process in Ontario is governed by laws established in the Provincial Legislative Assembly and by non-partisan professionals who ensure the process remains fair.
The following is a brief synopsis of the laws (or acts) and the people who contribute to keeping Ontario’s elections fair and free at the polls.
The Election Act
Provides the rules and regulations for the conduct and organization of elections.
The Election Finances Act
Establishes the rules and regulations related to financial contributions to the political parties and candidates and their election expenses.
The Representation Act
Establishes the number, names, and boundaries of the electoral districts.
Chief Electoral Officer
Appointed as an Officer of the Legislative Assembly by the Lieutenant Governor in Council (the Cabinet). He or she has overall responsibility for the conduct of provincial elections in Ontario.
Returning Officer
Appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council for each of the electoral districts in the Province. Under the direction of the Chief Electoral Officer, Returning Officers are responsible for the conduct of elections in their electoral district.
Election Clerk
Appointed by each Returning Officer to assist in the administration of the election in the electoral district.
Revising Agents
Persons appointed as necessary by the Returning Officer. Revising agents work in pairs and make door-to-door visits to register qualified electors whose names do not appear on the Voters List.
Revision Assistant
Appointed by each Returning Officer to assist with the revision of the Voters List. He or she works in the returning office or at other fixed locations.
Deputy Returning Officer
Appointed by the Returning Officer from lists to be submitted by the political parties or candidates. Responsible for the conduct of the election at a specific polling place.
Poll Clerk
Assistant to the Deputy Returning Officer at each polling place. Appointed by the Returning Officer from lists to be submitted by the candidates.
Scrutineer
A person representing a candidate at the polling place to observe the voting and the counting of the ballots. Only one scrutineer per candidate is permitted to remain in the polling place at any one time.