Election Day Workers 

Elections in Jamaica, as in many other countries are the democratic means by which a select group is chosen by the people and given the legitimacy to govern on behalf of all citizens. On Election Day the Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks have the important responsibility to ensure that polling takes place in keeping with the legal requirements.

 In order to ensure free and fair elections the Presiding Officer and Poll Clerk must constantly demonstrate fairness and impartiality in the execution of their duties.  Any discretion that is conferred by law must be exercised objectively and fairly.  There should be no act or conduct on the part of any Presiding Officer or Poll Clerk designed to give an advantage to any candidate or to prejudice the integrity of the electoral system or compromise the Electoral Office of Jamaica.  It is the duty of every Presiding Officer to make sure that the election is run properly at his or her polling station. The Presiding Officer is in charge of the Polling Station and must make sure that all the instructions are carefully followed.

 Upon your appointment as Presiding Officer or Poll Clerk you are now legally an election officer. While you do this job, you represent the Electoral Office and you report directly to the Returning Officer who appoints you.

 After your appointment you are required to swear an oath of office.  This commits you to making sure that voters can choose their candidate in secrecy.  You should not break the secrecy of the vote for any reason, neither should you show support for any political party, organization or other interest of any kind.

Please read your handbook and other instruction materials carefully.  Your knowledge of these procedures will go a long way towards our achieving our goal of elections that are free and fair, and free from fear, one man one vote, same man same vote.

                                                                            Danville Walker

                                                                           Director of Elections