Hay River (Oct 09/06) - When it comes to running elections, Selena Pukanich is sort of like the referee.

"I've got to make sure the rules are followed and applied, and the election is run fairly," said Pukanich, a returning officer in Hay River.

Selena Pukanich, returning officer in Hay River, holds ballots for the municipal election set for Oct. 16. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

She will be guiding the municipal vote in Hay River on Oct. 16.

"I pride myself on a real honest election," she said. "There is no swaying of the rules."

Pukanich enjoys being a returning officer.

"I do it, in a nutshell, because it's fun, exciting and a challenge," she explained.

Pukanich, 43, has never run for public office herself, although she noted she was asked to run this election, but decided against it.

But, she didn't dismiss the possibility she may run for election sometime in the future. "You just never know."

As a returning officer, Pukanich answers many questions from candidates about what they can and cannot do.

"We've got to make sure everyone is playing the game as they should," she said.

For questions she can't answer, Pukanich relies on the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs.

She is also responsible for updating the voters list, noting any Hay River residents not on the list can contact her by Oct. 15.

She also has to ensure the ballots are ready. Pukanich said she is busiest on election day, when she must ensure there are eight people besides herself hired to run the two polling stations in Hay River and that everyone casting a ballot is eligible to do so.

"I have final say on whether a ballot is accepted or not," she added, explaining she determines if a ballot is spoiled.

After the voting is complete, she oversees the counting of the ballots and announces the results.

Pukanich urges all residents of Hay River to get out and vote. "If you don't vote, you don't have a right to complain."

Pukanich, who is originally from B.C., has lived in Hay River for five years since she and her family moved north from Edmonton.

She is the office manager for Pike's Automotive and Reliable Cabs.

While living in Edmonton, she had been a deputy returning officer for two city elections.Three years ago, she began using that experience in the North after spotting an ad seeking a returning officer for territorial elections.

Since then, she has worked on territorial, federal, municipal and district education authority elections, along with votes at K'atlodeeche First Nation and West Point First Nation.