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The original was posted on /r/newzealand by /u/BigSouthernRooster on 2023-08-25 11:29:43.

For context, I’ve worked as a vote issuing officer at 3 prior elections, making 2023 my 4th.

In years gone by, the application process has been fast and painless. This year is another story and I’m curious if others are experiencing this.

For previous elections it was a case of (going off memory a wee bit):

  1. Filling out basic personal details online, confirm location preferences, role type and tick boxes confirming you’re not a yobbo (AKA legal declarations)
  2. Being contacted by a local organiser to confirm participation
  3. Receive contract, fill out contract electronically and submit
  4. Attend in-person training night for 2 hours, a couple of weeks prior to the election
  5. Turn up on election day and work

This year I have had to:

  1. Create an account on a new 3rd party platform and verify
  2. Fill out online form declaring interest in working at the 2023 election, and tick a box to be contacted once jobs are available
  3. 2-3 months go by with no contact
  4. Receive email stating applications are open (I never actually got this, but I have been told this is what was meant to happen)
  5. Access job portal, and use new account to fill out an entire application, complete legal declarations, type or upload a CV, type or upload a cover letter. Basically fill out an entire job application
  6. Job application is submitted
  7. 2-3 weeks go by
  8. Local organiser contacts me, saying due to demand they are running late processing applications
  9. Another week goes by to this week
  10. Local organiser contacts me, asking to attend a 1 hour in-person group interview

And then from there, presumably I:

  1. Attend interview and if I pass, receive a contract
  2. Do in-person training night a couple of weeks prior to the election
  3. Turn up on election day and work

The sheer amount of admin and time required to apply and the requirement for an IN PERSON INTERVIEW is baffling to me, especially for someone who can be verified as having done this multiple times previously.

I understand the need to have suitable applicants working on the day, but for plain old vote issuers who have no real ability to commit voter fraud etc. due to the massive amount of checks and balances in place (this is a good thing), I can only assume that the frustrating amount of admin required to apply is putting people off joining.

I can understand the need for a more formal application process for site managers, regional managers etc. but for individuals who turn up and work on a single day, it’s a bit ridiculous.

Curious to hear about other people’s experience and whether I am an anomaly or the norm!

/rant over