General briefings on an informal basis can be used as training opportunities, especially where there are very large numbers of people to be trained. If briefings are combined with the distribution of the poll workers manuals or similar documentation for vote counters or registration workers, a relatively short session can be used to run through the processes outlined in the manual and to answer questions. Where possible, it is recommended that manuals and other relevant documents are distributed in advance of the briefing to give the staff time to absorb the material and to prepare possible questions.
More detailed briefings can serve as training for key electoral staff, and hopefully such a briefing will highlight problems and questions that need to be addressed. Briefings for poll workers or count staff will be considerably livened up if some video and graphic material is used.
The regular meetings for headquarter staff should also be seen as training opportunities. Staff meetings should be held periodically and should address and highlight problems and solutions of the day-to-day work at the EMB. EMB members should, above meetings, have the opportunity to attend topic oriented or problem-solving seminars. These seminars can be directed to commissioners only or to EMB commissioners, election advisers, experts, stakeholders, etc. and can be more or less informal.
One disadvantage of internal training is that the staff often is very familiar with the person undertaking the training, and it is rarely seen as an "event".
