Election positions

Updated: 12 July 2023

Paid temporary roles are available throughout the election, ranging from polling place officials to supervisors.

Election staff roles

The election staff roles infographic provides a quick overview of type of roles available before, on or after election day.

Election staff roles

Summary of election staff positions available


Position

About the role

Temporary Assistants (working in an outposted centre before, on and after election day)

Temporary Assistant
Level 1

(Electoral Officer Level 1)

There are Temporary Assistant roles before, on and after election day.

This role provides support in election preparation, election conduct and finalising the election. It is based at an outposted centre which is a temporary ‘warehouse like’ facility.

Temporary Assistants may work before, on or for up to four weeks after election day on an as needed basis.

Temporary Assistant Level 1 positions may be available for people aged under 18.  

Temporary Assistant
Level 2

(Electoral Officer Level 3)

 

There are Temporary Assistant roles before, on and after election day.

This role handles ballot papers safely and securely throughout all electoral processes, and provides briefings, demonstrations and training to team members.

This role is based at an outposted centre which is a temporary ‘warehouse like’ facility.

Temporary Assistants may work before, on or for up to four weeks after election day on an as needed basis.

Scrutiny Assistants (counting votes and helping at polling places on election day)

Scrutiny Assistant
Level 1

(Electoral Officer Level 1)

Scrutiny Assistants look after unfolding, sorting and counting ballot papers.
This role also assists with dismantling the polling place, packing materials, removing signs and posters.

Scrutiny Assistants normally work in the evening at a polling place on election day (5pm to midnight).

Scrutiny Assistant (Return of Materials)
Level 2

(Electoral Officer Level 2)

Scrutiny Assistants look after unfolding, sorting and counting ballot papers.

This role may also include returning election material to the outposted centre, hub or other location once polling activities are finalised.

Scrutiny Assistants normally work in the evening at a polling place on election day (5pm to midnight).

Polling Place Officers (working at polling places on election day)

Polling Assistant

(Electoral Officer Level 2)

Polling Assistants are one of the first points of contact for voters at a polling place as they issue ballot papers to voters.

This role ensures the security of ballot boxes throughout polling and that votes are placed in the correct ballot box.

It also organises and manages the queue of voters and directs voters to relevant voting points and where to exit the polling place.

Polling Assistants also assist with end-of-day activities at the polling place. They work on polling day from 7am to 11pm.

Polling Assistants also perform the duties of the hygiene officer.

Polling Assistant (supporting culturally and linguistically diverse voters)

(Electoral Officer Level 2)

 

Polling Assistants are one of the first points of contact for voters at a polling place as they issue ballot papers to voters.

Polling Assistants can assist electors from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who may require extra help or translated resources.

This role ensures the security of ballot boxes throughout polling and that votes are placed in the correct ballot box.

It also organises and manages the queue of voters and directs voters to relevant voting points and where to exit the polling place.

Polling Assistants also assist with end-of-day activities at the polling place. They work on polling day from 7am to 11pm.

Polling Assistants also perform the duties of the hygiene officer.

Polling Assistant (supporting Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander voters)

(Electoral Officer Level 2)

Polling Assistants are one of the first points of contact for voters at a polling place as they issue ballot papers to voters.

Polling Assistants can assist electors who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander.

This role ensures the security of ballot boxes throughout polling and that votes are placed in the correct ballot box.

It also organises and manages the queue of voters and directs voters to relevant voting points and where to exit the polling place.

Polling Assistants also assist with end of day activities at the polling place. They work on polling day from 7am to 11pm.

Polling Assistants also perform the duties of the hygiene officer.

Declaration Vote Issuing Officer

(Electoral Officer Level 2)

 

Declaration Vote Issuing Officers issue declaration votes in a polling place. A declaration vote requires the voter to sign a declaration instead of having their name marked off a paper certified list.

The Declaration Vote Issuing Officer may also manage voter enquiries, assist with the completion of enrolment forms, monitor ballot boxes, manage voter queues and issue ordinary votes. 

They work on polling day from 7am to 11pm.

Polling Place Second in Charge

(Electoral Officer Level 4)

 

Polling Place Second in Charge officers support the Officer in Charge with the set-up, preparation and dismantling of the polling place before and after polling, and assist with the supervision of polling place staff, management and security of materials including ballot papers.

They also brief, coordinate and monitor the scrutiny team, and manage voters and political party workers.

Polling Place Second in Charge officers work on polling day from 7am to 11pm.

Polling Place Officer in Charge

(Electoral Officer Level 4 or 5 – depending on location)

 

The Polling Place Officer in Charge manages a polling place, including the set-up, preparation, operation and dismantling of the polling place before, during and after voting.

This role supervises polling place staff, management and security of materials including ballot papers.  

It manages the operations of a polling place and is responsible for all conduct in the polling place.

The role also includes collection of materials and handover/return of materials.

The Polling Place Officer in Charge works on polling day from 7am to 11pm.

Polling Place Liaison Officer

(Electoral Officer Level 5)

 

This role may require travel across large geographical areas to visit the polling places and may be required to remotely manage polling places where it is not feasible to travel.

The role is the point of escalation for the Officer in Charge at each polling place and manages issues as they arise.

The Polling Place Liaison Officer works on polling day from 7am to 11pm.

Remote Mobile Polling Officers (working in remote places to provide mobile polling services)

Remote Mobile Polling Assistant (Local Assistant)

(Electoral Officer Level 2)

Remote area mobile teams work up to 19 days before or on polling day and deliver services to voters in remote communities, where no other voting services are available. Remote mobile polling teams service isolated communities, town camps and mining sites located further than 20km from a polling place.

The Remote Area Mobile Polling Assistant (Local Assistant) provides a point of contact and support within the community for the remote mobile team.

They assist the local community by ensuring they are aware of when and where remote mobile polling will be available.

The role supports voters in ensuring they are correctly identified and marked off the electoral roll and provides localised language support as required.

Remote Services Delivery Team Member

(Electoral Officer Level 3)

Remote Services Delivery teams work up to 19 days before or on polling day and deliver services to voters in remote communities, where no other voting services are available. Remote Services Delivery teams service isolated communities, town camps and mining sites located further than 20km from a polling place.

A Remote Services Delivery Team Member will issue ballot papers to voters in remote locations as part of a team during the early voting period.

This role ensures the security of ballot boxes throughout polling, manages voter queues and assists with voter enquiries.

The role also assists with the finalisation of daily activities at the polling place locations.

These roles may be required to work non-standard or extended hours, and to travel in different types of transport including 4WD, light aircraft, helicopters and small boat if working in remote areas.

Remote Services Delivery Teams Second in Charge

(Electoral Officer Level 4)

Remote Services Delivery teams work up to 19 days before or on polling day and deliver services to voters in remote communities, where no other voting services are available. Remote Services Delivery teams service isolated communities, town camps and mining sites located further than 20km from a polling place.

The Remote Services Delivery Teams Second in Charge supports the Team Leader in managing the election set-up, preparation and dismantling of the polling place in each location visited by the team.

The role assists in supervising polling place staff, management and security of materials including ballot papers.

It supports the management of operations at each location and is responsible for all conduct in the polling place.

The role also includes overseeing the collection of materials and handover/return of materials.

These roles may be required to work non-standard or extended hours, and to travel in different types of transport including 4WD, light aircraft, helicopters and small boat if working in remote areas.

Remote Services Delivery Team Leader

(Electoral Officer Level 5)

Remote Services Delivery teams work up to 19 days before or on polling day and deliver services to voters in remote communities, where no other voting services are available. Remote Services Delivery teams service isolated communities, town camps and mining sites located further than 20km from a polling place.

Remote Services Delivery Team Leader manages the election set-up, preparation and dismantling of the polling place each location visited by the team.

This role is responsible for briefing staff before polling and ensuring all polling officials are following correct procedures and protocols.

It also maintains security protocols around election materials at all times and completes required checklists and documentation to certify compliance.

The role also includes collection of materials and handover/return of materials.

This role will be required to work over the pre-polling period on a roster. It may include travel in different types of transport including 4WD, light aircraft, helicopters. Small boat may be required in remote areas. 

Electoral Visitors (working before polling day)

Electoral Visitor (Team Member) 

(Electoral Officer Level 3)

Electoral Visitor teams work before polling day and assist voters who are unable to attend or have difficulties in attending a polling place to vote. 

An Electoral Visitor (Team Member) will issue ballot papers to voters in locations as part of a team during the early voting period.

This role ensures the security of ballot boxes throughout polling, manages voter queues and assists with voter enquiries.

The role also assists with the finalisation of daily activities at the polling place locations.

Electoral Visitor in Charge

(Electoral Officer Level 5)

Electoral Visitor roles work before polling day and assist voters who are unable to attend or have difficulties in attending a polling place to vote.

The Electoral Visitor in Charge manages the set-up, preparation and dismantling of the polling place at each location during the early voting period.

This role includes supervising a small team of polling staff, managing security of materials including ballot papers, liaison with voters and party workers, scrutiny management and return of materials. It manages the operations at each location and is responsible for all conduct in the polling place.

The role also includes collection of materials and handover/return of materials.

Pre-poll and Early Voting Officers (working at early voting places)

Pre-poll Officer

(Electoral Officer Level 2)

 

Pre-poll Officers issue ballot papers to voters in pre-poll voting centres during the early voting period.

This role ensures the security of ballot boxes throughout polling, manages voter queues and assists with voter enquiries.

The role also assists with the finalisation of daily activities at the polling place.

Pre-poll Officers work on a roster throughout the 2-week early voting period and may also be asked to work part-time to assist with peak periods, including 5-hour shifts. 

Pre-poll Second in Charge

(Electoral Officer Level 4)

The Pre-poll Second in Charge manages a pre-poll voting centre during the early voting period, supporting the Officer in Charge and acting in the role when required.

The role includes supervising polling staff, management and security of materials including ballot papers, liaison with voters and party workers, collection and handover/return of materials.

The Pre-poll Second in Charge also assists the Officer in Charge with preparation and set up of the voting centre before polling commences.  

They typically work extended hours during the early voting period, mostly on a Monday to Friday, although the role may include some weekend work.

Pre-poll Officer in Charge

(Electoral Officer Level 5)

 

The Pre-poll Officer in Charge manages the set-up, preparation and dismantling of the polling place at a pre-poll voting centre during the early voting period.

The role supervises polling place staff, management and security of materials including ballot papers.

It manages the operations of a polling place and is responsible for all conduct in the polling place.

The role also includes collection of materials and handover/return of materials.

The Pre-poll Officer in Charge typically works extended hours during the early voting period, mostly on a Monday to Friday, although the role may include some weekend work.

Early Voting Liaison Officer

(Electoral Officer Level 5)

 

The Early Voting Liaison Officer manages around 5 polling places, which may include early voting centres and mobile teams operating prior to polling day.

This role acts as a representative for the Divisional Returning Officer to provide assurance that policy and procedures are being adhered to.

It provides materials and assistance to the Officer in Charge or Team Leader as required. It manages emerging complex problems and issues arising at pre-poll voting centres and/or with mobile polling teams, and reports these to the Divisional Returning Officer.

The Early Voting Liaison Officer typically works extended hours during the early voting period, mostly on a Monday to Friday. The role may include long hours of travel and some weekend work.

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