Returning officers are appointed by the Lieutenant-Governor in Council to serve in each electoral district in the province. They assist the Chief Electoral Officer in making it possible for voters to exercise their right to vote. Reporting to the Chief Electoral Officer, the returning officer is responsible for the administrative conduct of the election within the electoral district. A returning officer acts as a financial and human resource manager, strategic planner, personnel recruiter, mediator and public relations officer.

The returning officer opens one or more offices in his or her electoral district. Returning offices are open: