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“Hi there, can I have your surname please?”
I looked up at the next impatient voter looming over my desk.
“Thanks, and have you voted before in this current election?”
~~~
Yes indeedy ladies and gentlemen, whilst the vast majority of our state was exercising their democratic right yesterday, yours truly was huffing and puffing behind the scenes.
Thought I’d share with you all about this other “side hustle” which I’ve been doing for a while now (following on from being a soccer referee).
Mind you this is probably the 3rd or 4th election which I’m involved in, and each time it’s been pretty much the same.
Process
Ok, first things first – although it can just be a one day (election day) commitment, get ready to WORK.
No shirking around in democracy here.
The typical election day starts around 7am… yes 7 AM – in which you are expected to help set up the booths, co-ordinate the ballot papers and are assigned to your individual roles.
Which are quite varied actually, from queue/crowd control (it can get quite rowdy), to handing out ballot papers (after ticking off the electoral roll), to the more complex absentee and out-of-electoral voting.
The doors open from 8am and close at 6pm sharp. During this time, the day just FLIES, as there is a steady stream of voters.
Post-6pm, the actual counting process starts, in which all the ballot papers are sorted by their preferential votes, then counted.

Everything is done by hand, which is extremely time-consuming, monotonous, error-prone and highly BORING.
If you are at a small electoral office, expect everything to finish at around 9:30/10pm, if you are at one of the bigger centres… well, I’ve finished past 1am a couple of times before.
Why do it?
But TheFrugalSamurai, if the day is so friggin long, why do it?
Well, the pay can be pretty decent yknow!
Not gonna lie – if you’re not gonna be compensated fairly for all those hours on a Saturday, not many people would do it.
The pay ranges from around $400 for the lowly pleb (election official) to about $1,200 (election manager).
That’s not shabby for a day’s work right?
But that’s not all.
Apart from the money, I find that it’s a great way to get a feel for what’s going on at the grassroots level.
You encounter all members of society and I think it’s a timely reminder of different views and opinions as opposed to the information “bubble” we live in, each day.
I’ve had conversations about the economy, immigration, which politician is rumored to be gay, cost of bread… everything and anything yesterday.

You also get to form a bond with those who you are working alongside on the day, ranging from uni students all the way to retired pensioners.
Yesterday, in our midst, we had a data scientist, online entrepreneur, career banker and of course a personal finance and development blogger mixed in.
Great fun if you have the right co-workers!
Future Opportunities?
Um, well there actually are quite a few doors which open up.
I’ve gotten a couple of job offers before to assist the electoral process full-time, (terrifying to think about this FT) as well as staying in touch with a couple of the guys I’ve worked with in the past.
Also, if you are really keen, you can work your way up to that lucrative $1,200 a day BOOYAH.
Although elections only come around every few years, and I think senior positions are actually highly sought after – so it could be a long slog.
How to Apply?
Oh this one’s easy, head along to the Australian Electoral Commission for federal (or your country’s equivalent) or State Electoral Commission and go from there.
You’ll need to register your interest, and then answer a short interview style questionnaire, which reminded me of a retail job to be honest – stuff like “how do you deal with people?” um, good. And “tell me about an experience of dealing with a person” er… I have spoken to a human before.

So it’s not too hard.
From there, if your answers are deemed worthy, you’ll receive a letter of offer via email detailing the positioned offered to you.
Most likely if you haven’t done it before, i.e. a Greenhorn – you’ll need to start from the bottom, which is just as a casual staff employed to count votes (where I started from!) – the most dreaded and boring aspect, but hey, we all gotta start somewhere!
Final thoughts.
Hm, working on election day is certainly not for anyone, but if you have nothing better to do that day, want to meet new people and get rewarded for it, it could be for you!
Sometimes though, I wonder if the process could be better automated through digital voting, there’s gotta be a better way than manual counting right?
WILL SOMEONE THINK OF THE TREES.
But then we are vulnerable to hacks and fraud and all that nasty online behaviour.
So it looks like it’s here to stay.
And a final, final note – it’s days like election day in which you see that it takes all sorts to make this society of ours.
That’s democracy for ya!
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84 Comments
Brittany F
This is interesting. I learned something new about another country’s election process and experience. I believe here, all of our election workers are volunteers. Thank you for sharing. I’m going to do more research to learn more.
The Frugal Samurai
Volunteers? Wow, they must be true believers of their party and democracy then – love it! Thanks for reading.
Alexithymia_Shubhi
Well, working in this field opens more doors is a good point. I could imagine working over there does gives the inside details aka the grass root level topics.
The Frugal Samurai
Yes it does, the conversations with the voters – really see the whole political spectrum, thanks for reading!
Monidipa Dutta (@MonidipaDutta51)
Elections are coming up in India too. I wish we could do it here too. Great process and iea.
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you, I’ve actually been reading a bit of that – who are you going to be voting for can I ask?
Krysten (@WeirdGirlBlog)
Interesting. I’ve never thought about working on an election before but I do like the idea!
The Frugal Samurai
I know right! When I first heard about it, I was like… “Whhhhaaat are you on about?” It’s actually quite fun!
AnotherFoodBlogger
I can only imagine the characters you would come across on Election Day – could be a lot of fun for that alone
The Frugal Samurai
Tell me about it… from the guy who couldn’t keep his pants up, to the crazy old lady who wouldn’t leave the voting booth… to the young couple “almost” making love in public… you see a LOT.
ramzy
yes, that’s exactly what means “elections” I had the opportunity to participate, the situation was worse than that
The Frugal Samurai
How, how? Tell, tell!
Pixie Garl
I have experience of joining voting work, but never thought it could be a side hustle. Attitude really matters.
The Frugal Samurai
Yes it does, what were you doing can I ask? Why didn’t ya get paid for it!
Sarah Bailey
This sounds like a great side hustle of people when elections are happening! I wouldn’t have thought of doing something like this at all. For some reason I thought it wasn’t paid for.
The Frugal Samurai
Oh that’s OK, it differs in every country I’m sure. Not a consistent side hustle mind you, but you can get away with some extra pocket money once in a while!
Myrah Duque
This is good to know! I wasn’t aware. We have friends from Austrailia that would be interested in applying. Thanks for all the vauable information.
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, where abouts are they! Thanks for reading.
Aishwarya Shenolikar
Quite a detailed and important post!! Voting is so important, I can’t believe people take the day off to go on vacation.
The Frugal Samurai
Whoa, who takes the voting day off to go on vacations! That’s not very timely (unless they voted before…)
Tara Pittman (@momknowsbest15)
I remember my mom working the elections when I was a kid. Back then, they had to hand count the ballots.
The Frugal Samurai
Yes! We had to hand count the votes as well… oh man, the most GRUELING aspect of the job. Wouldn’t want to do it just by itself, EVER.
Amber
Oh cool, I will have to keep this in mind for sure. It sounds like a great experience.
The Frugal Samurai
It really is! Democracy in action! Thanks for reading as always.
LAKATWOMAN
This is actually a great idea for those looking for a side hustle and don’t mind crowds. Hey, if there’s a will there’s a way, right!!
The Frugal Samurai
So true! ESPECIALLY if you haven’t got anything on (boring, boring) the weekend! Shakes up the normal routine a bit, thanks for reading!
Samantha Grimwood
I love the vibe of your blog. Also the name is amazing, keep up the great work!
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks for the kind words!
thecoffeemom0617
I never knew that the voting booth attendants were paid positions! I think this would be an awesome little side hustle as the money seems like it is good for one long day!
The Frugal Samurai
It is a good little hustle ain’t it! And yeah, they are paid… some are paid VERY well actually! Thanks for reading.
this1mommytries
I have always thought it would be interesting to work at a polling place and just be around the excitment of democracy in action! Thank you so much for sharing this experience!
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, hopefully I did it justice! Get ready for a LONG day though! Thanks for reading 🙂
Rosey A
It’s awesome that you gave a link to sign up. Side hustles add up and are worth the effort.
The Frugal Samurai
Yeah true actually… one-off they are OK but add it all up, you’d be amazed!
simplysensationalfood
That’s a long days work but if you enjoy meeting people and want to support your country and earn some money why not.
The Frugal Samurai
I know right… friggin’ 15 hours, lucky that it’s not particularly difficult – just long and tiring! Thanks for reading.
successunscrambled
I think these kind of side hustles are fun to do. I did the movie extra gig as well many years ago and that was not half bad at all. Getting to be one of the odd persons tying their shoe laces or crossing the street or randomly discussing the price of bread can have its rewards. Who knows where it can lead.
The Frugal Samurai
Hahaha awesome, awesome – love it! Which movies were you in?!?!
Jess
I never thought about working an election day! I know I’ve seen workers but I guess I’m to busy trying to remember who to vote for. I wouldn’t mind starting off counting votes if it helps out the greater good.
The Frugal Samurai
Give it a go next time, especially if it pays well, why not! Haha you won’t be so cheerful when you have to physically sort through a thousand or two ballot papers by hand! Thanks for reading.
Chelle Dizon
We you are absolutely right. Instead of procrastinating all day, why not make ourselves useful and try it. That sounds a great opportunity for people who can and willing to do it.
The Frugal Samurai
It is! Get off our bum bums and get involved… in some countries it’s all volunteers as well, just glad we get paid in Oz!
StephJ
I think anyone who wants to share their opinion on politics needs to actually get involved in making a difference in their communities in some way. good for you!
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you! Although I couldn’t actually sprout my own views… working in the elections as an impartial official ysee… hm but maybe next time I’ll be on the other side lobbying, that’d be intriguing wouldn’t it!
Hannah Marie
This is quite a hustle to accomplish. I never thought the pay is going to be this good. Thanks for this idea.
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, give it a go next time!
Njkinny
This is new information for me. It is interesting to read about the election process of another country. I will have to check if such options are available bin my country too. It would be interesting to apply for one. Thanks for sharing. 😊
The Frugal Samurai
No problem, good luck with it! Thanks for reading.
Corinne ❄️ (@WhatCorinneDid)
That’s actually a good idea! i would have never thought of it! and you’re really helping the community! elections are so important
The Frugal Samurai
They really are, aren’t they! Haha helping the community… well, I guess! Thanks for reading.
Alexandra Cook
I could see that being fun. I do not think it is for me though; I am not into politics.
The Frugal Samurai
Oh you don’t have to be in politics to help out! In fact, it’s not just for the politically-minded, they WANT people who aren’t into all of that!
Monique Starks
I’m sure this was such an interesting job! It never hurts to have a side hustle and it’s great that your side hustle is actually doing some good for your country!
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you for saying so! I know right! Too bad it only comes around every couple of years or so… it’s actually great fun!
Peachy A.
The election is coming up here in the Philippines. I wonder if we have something like this as well.
The Frugal Samurai
Oooo, nice one! Who you gonna vote for? Your Prez is a little bit scary (outsider’s perspective!)
Gideon Akachukwu Okorie
what a way to add some few bucks in the bank, would be a great experience too.
The Frugal Samurai
Oh yeah definitely a great experience! Thanks for reading.
amayszingblogs
Sounds interesting! Elections are coming up in Philippines and this is the first that I vote as a citizen great article.
The Frugal Samurai
No problemo, oh by the way – thanks for reading!
Lyosha Varezhkina
That is a great opportunity idea/ I think it is useful for many people. very ice hustle to accomplish!
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you for saying so!
Aby Armenton
I love how you set your mind to things, Congratulations on the opportunities opened.
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you for saying so, that’s very kind of you!
Brittany Vantrease
My husband worked for a few days with elections for college credit and I think he got paid. If my kids weren’t so young, I’d think about doing it, but then I’d have to pay for a babysitter.
The Frugal Samurai
Oh yeah for sure, but yknow you don’t have to do it THAT often – happens every couple of years or so yknow…
Vivienne
That does sound like a great side-hustle! Nothing wrong with that and you’re contributing to the community!
The Frugal Samurai
Thanks for saying so! It’s great! I certainly enjoy doing so, and yes – helping out whenever I can… for a fee…shhh
norbis6norbis
This is one great experience! to work with the government and to be able to know what kind of environment it is in there!
The Frugal Samurai
It actually is! Democracy at work and great to see really – thanks for reading.
simplysensationalfood
This is an interesting way to spend a day and also get paid for it.
The Frugal Samurai
It really is!
Bindu Thomas
This sounds interesting. Side hustles add up and are worth the effort.
The Frugal Samurai
They actually are… somewhere between $10-$15k already I think?
ohmummymia
wow lovely opportunity in my country they pay for it as well ! It would be interesting if I could try it
The Frugal Samurai
Yeah get onto it! Thanks for reading.
Enriqueta Lemoine
My home country is besieged by a corrupt narco dictatorship. Democracy is something that we have nurture and cherish!
The Frugal Samurai
Damn… that is tough to say the least, hope you guys come out of it OK in the not too-distant future.
AnythingRad.Com
Thi is one interesting side hustle idea to do!! I know for sure that the experience will be worthwhile, It’s not everyday that we get to see some election day action, don’t we? Plus, new opportunities will open up one way or another with this kind of work!
The Frugal Samurai
Yes, the experience is very worthwhile – and something different too! It’s pretty good actually, wanna give it a shot?
Fatima D Torres
Finding the right side hustle isn’t always easy. I like that you’re being proactive in looking for soemthing at suits you.
The Frugal Samurai
Thank you, anything really can be a side hustle when you’re young and hungry!
Nicole
What an interesting post! I never would have thought to work on election day as a side hustle. Definitely something to start thinking about for the upcoming one. Thanks for sharing!
The Frugal Samurai
No problemo, thanks for reading!