Guidelines for Understanding, Adjudicating, and Resolving Disputes in Elections addressed in the initial training if there is sufficient time, or in a supplemental training course. It must be remembered that this is not an academically oriented course in which theory and history are examined. Rather, it is a training program designed to prepare EMB members to take on the often challenging and contentious task of resolving electoral complaints. D. Developing an Abbreviated Course for Poll Workers The training of EMBs may not always be best served by a “one-size-fitsall” approach. At times the objectives might be better served by designing specific training sessions relative to the functions for which election officials at various levels of the hierarchy are responsible, and the authorities under which they are allowed to take action. Particularly for EMBs at the polling station level, a more abbreviated course might be more suitable. Ideally, basic training on how to handle complaints can be accommodated during their regular poll worker training sessions. At the polling station level, for example, poll workers are responsible for setting up the polling station and for implementing the proper procedures for conduct of the poll on Election Day. They are also responsible for accurately completing the paperwork to account for the receipt and use of ballots and other sensitive materials, documenting incidents or unusual events at the polling station and repackaging materials and ballot boxes for return to their regional or district EMBs. In many countries, counting of votes is handled at centralized counting sites; in many others, poll workers are also responsible for carrying out proper vote counting procedures after the polls have closed and preparing results reports. Within the scope of work conducted at the polling station, chairpersons are usually obligated to respond to concerns or complaints raised by party or candidate representatives or observers, and to take immediate corrective action where it is deemed appropriate. The manner in which complaints are handled by an election official can factor heavily in a complainant’s decision whether or not to file a more formal complaint at a higher level or to pursue litigation. The key objectives that should be satisfied during poll worker training related to the resolution of election complaints should be to ensure that poll workers are competent to: 146

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