Written by Heidi Kingston
What is the AEC?
The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) is the independent statutory agency of the Australian government for the management and oversight of Australian federal elections plebiscites, referendums, and some trade union elections. Working for the AEC is a great opportunity to earn some extra money as a uni student. They offer a range of polling officer roles which could include a range of positions such as, ballet box guard, polling officials, vote issuing officer, que controller, enquiry officer, declaration officer, or scrutiny assistant. All of these positions are suitable for university students regardless of previous experience. You will be paid a minimum of $30/hour for minimal work on the day of the election. After 8 hours, your rate will go up per hour of overtime. You also are paid a $37.00 meal allowance. I found that working for the AEC was really worth it!!!
How to apply!
You will start the application process by registering your details through the AEC EmployMe website (link below). This is a short process that requires your Name, Email, and contact number. Once you are registered, the AEC will contact you for positions and job offers available in your area. They will then organise your online or face-to-face training in preparation for election day. (You will be paid for this training!!) After completion of training you are all set for election day!
(https://www.aec.gov.au/employment/working-at-elections/process.htm)
(Applying using the AEC EmployMe website)
On election day!
On the day of the election you will make your way to your allocated polling place ready to start at 7am. The polling will open at 8am. This first hour will be spent meeting your co-workers, setting up polling booths, ballot boxes, tables and other equipment. If you are a vote issuing officer, you should spend some of this time familiarising yourself with the certified list, ballot papers, scripts, and other equipment you are required to use, such as your staff vest and badge. Once the doors open at 8am, you will be required to fulfil your role until relieved for a break. In my experience, polling places ran their break schedule with a 10 minute break and two 30 minute breaks for lunch and dinner. Your OIC will advise when your break will be and who will cover your position while you are absent. At 6pm, the voting will close and you will begin counting votes, packing down ballot boxes, packing away equipment, and cleaning the space. This can take up to 11 pm depending on the amount of votes placed throughout the day, and how efficient your team is. I know it is a long day, however it is such easy money for only one day of work, and your rate will go up for overtime too!
Following election day!
When you get home or the day after the election, you will be required to fill out your timesheet. You will log back into your AEC account and fill out the timesheet. This will give you the opportunity to put in your breaks and start/finish times. In the following days you will receive notice that your timesheet has been approved and you will receive your pay. For future elections you must register your details again.
This certainly is one long day, but great for the piggy bank and doesn’t interfere with your studies!
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative.
