Conducting an election is a major public event. During state and local government elections some 4.4 million NSW electors vote at 2,500 polling places. Elections are large scale logistical exercises conducted in a high profile, legal and time-dependant environment. They need to be run professionally and in strict accordance with legislation. The environment is closely scrutinised by political parties, candidates, electors and the media.

Personnel include approximately 93 returning officers for parliamentary elections and up to 152 for local government elections assisted by about 18 000 election officials at polling places on election day.

If you are able to dedicate the time on an intermittent as needed basis then we are interested in hearing from you.

Skills and knowledge

Prior electoral experience is not necessary.

People interested in the office assistant positions require previous work experience in an office environment, high level customer service skills and the ability to undertake tasks quickly and accurately under minimum supervision.

People recruited to work in polling places will possess skills and abilities to perform the required duties along with excellent customer service skills and the patience to undertake repetitive duties over a long period.

Election officials required

In the lead-up to an election
Office assistants

On election day
Polling place managers
Deputy polling place managers
Election officials
Scrutiny assistants.

Expression of Interest

A register of persons interested in temporary employment as election officials and office assistants is prepared at election time. An Expression of Interest (EoI) is used to determine your suitability for employment.

What happens when I register?

The returning officers assess all EoIs on their merits. The NSWEC is an equal opportunity employer and carries out its activities mindful of state and federal anti-discrimination legislation. Acknowledgement of your Eol will be by email or SMS if you provide these contact details.

What if I am offered temporary employment?

Successful applicants will receive an offer of employment by phone or email. Upon confirmation of availability and acceptance of a position you will be sent a letter of employment together with any other forms and information required. Election officials in certain classifications are required to participate in formal training which may be undertaken face-to-face and online.

Privacy Statement

1. The information collected by the NSWEC Expression of Interest website is used to support the selection and possible employment of the information provider in electoral related activities.
2. The information collected will be provided to the Australian Electoral Commission for employment purposes during their elections.
3. The information collected will be retained by the NSWEC for up to 5 years (to allow usage at next similar general election). However specific payroll information may be retained for longer periods to comply with payroll and taxation legislative requirements.
4. All information is stored electronically and will be deleted from computers in a secure and permanent manner.
5. The NSWEC relies upon individuals to check the information entered is correct.
6. Anyone who accepts a position to work at an election will have their personal information and earnings provided to Centrelink for data-matching purposes. Centrelink is empowered by section 195 of the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Cwlth) to request this information to help it detect incorrect payments. Under section 195(4) of the Act, irrelevant information will be destroyed within 13 weeks.
7. The NSWEC will survey staff employed for the 2008 Local Government elections using their email address provided. This will be undertaken by an external contractor covered by a privacy safeguard agreement.