What to expect when working at an election

Working at elections is a great way to contribute to delivering democracy in NSW. Our temporary election workers are paid, receive training and enjoy a unique working experience.  

Find what to expect when working at the NSW Local Government elections.

You don’t need election experience to be considered for an election role, but you do need to be eligible to work. To be eligible for election work you must be:

• on the Australian electoral roll, and

• 18 or older.

We are committed to making sure our workforce reflects the diversity of the NSW community we serve. We encourage you to register if you:

• speak multiple languages including English

• are from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities

• live with a disability

• don’t have secure housing.

There are a range of jobs available before, on and after election day and we welcome all applications.

Working on election day as an Election Official

Election day working hours are long, but all positions provide a varied, and ultimately rewarding experience.

You get to earn some extra money, learn new skills and make some new friends while helping delivery democracy to your community.

Your day starts at 7am where all Election Officials get a face-to-face briefing from the Polling Place Manager.

After the briefing, Election Officials finalise the setup of the polling place so that voting can begin at 8am.

You can expect to carry out a wide range of duties which include:

• queue control

• providing assistance to voters

• issuing ordinary voting papers

• guarding the ballot boxes

• sorting and counting ballot papers after voting is closed

• assist with packing up the polling place.

Polling places tend to be busiest in the morning, although the whole day can run at a steady pace.

Polling places are staffed so that there are enough people to cover busy periods and breaks. During the day, you will have two 15 minute breaks and two 30 minute breaks.

Food isn’t provided. Not all polling places are near shops, so bring enough food and drinks to get you through the day.

If you have special requirements or medical conditions, let your supervisor know before starting work so we can accommodate your needs.

What happens once voting has finished?

Voting officially ends at 6pm on the day and, after a break, the team then work together to sort and count ballot papers and pack up the polling place.

Time taken counting votes can vary depending on the size of the polling place, but all staff will have left the venue by 10:30pm.

Once the initial results have been provided to the Returning Officer, the Deputy Polling Place Manager returns all voting materials, including the counted ballot papers, to the Returning Office. 

Other election day positions

On election day, most jobs are located at polling places. Each polling place is staffed by an:

• Election Official
• Declaration Vote Issuing Officer
• Deputy Polling Place Manager
• Polling Place Manager.

Polling Place Managers will start work at 7am and leave at 10:30pm. They are responsible for managing all activities that happen in the polling place on election day. This includes:

• setup of the polling place
• management of all election day staff
• dealing with complex customer service issues
• dealing with scrutineers and candidates.

The Deputy Polling Place Manager supports the Polling Place Manager in carrying out all duties on election day. They will commence duties at 9am and will be responsible for packing up the venue by 10:30pm and then returning the materials to the Returning Office.

Declaration Vote Issuing Officers provide information and the correct voting papers to electors who are not found on the roll. 

Working before and after election day

The following positions will be available to work at pre-polling venues, up to two weeks prior to election day:

• Office Assistant Pre-poll (OAPP)
• Deputy Senior Office Assistant Pre-poll (DSOAPP)
• Senior Office Assistant Pre-poll (SOAPP)

In addition, the NSW Electoral Commission needs Office Assistants and Senior Office Assistants to work in Returning Officer offices to assist with administration and logistics tasks which may include: 

• planning for distribution of election materials 
• planning for mobilisation of pre-poll and polling places 
• staffing pre-poll and polling places 
• general office duties. 

After election day, there are a range of administrative tasks undertaken in the Returning Officer offices that are carried out by Office Assistants and Senior Office Assistants. 

Work is generally conducted during normal working hours. However, some evening and weekend work may be required.