The short answer
Working at the 2026 Victorian state election: applications now open
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is looking for more than 25,000 people to fill roles across Victoria for the 2026 state election, which will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026. Roles include working at voting centres and counting ballots on election day, or supporting operations during the entire election period. Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said working with the VEC is a way to contribute to the local community and make sure every Victorian can have their say, and that past experience is not required. Applicants must be 18 years or older, eligible to work in Australia and available on election day. Casual election staff receive training, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, live with a disability, or do not have secure housing are encouraged to apply. People interested in working at the election can register their interest at vec.vic.gov.au/workatelections.
This guide explains the federal position first. State, territory and local elections can use different rules, dates and ballot systems, so the commission named on your election material is the final operational source.
The useful question is not only “what is the rule?” but also “who administers it, which document controls it, and when might it change?” That distinction prevents an accurate general explanation from becoming wrong advice in a particular election, chamber or policy setting.
Evidence review
What the VEC is recruiting for
The VEC is recruiting more than 25,000 casual staff for the 2026 state election, to be held on Saturday 28 November 2026.
Roles include working at a voting centre and counting ballots on election day, or supporting operations during the entire election period.
The VEC says many casual election staff return each election because they enjoy the pace, pay and purpose of the role, but that past experience is not needed and anyone interested is encouraged to apply.
Evidence review
Eligibility and requirements
Applicants must be 18 years or older, eligible to work in Australia, and available on election day, Saturday 28 November 2026.
People who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, live with a disability, or do not have secure housing are encouraged to apply.
During recruitment, applicants will need to declare any political activities they are currently or have previously been involved with. The VEC describes itself as an independent organisation.
Evidence review
What the roles involve
Casual election staff receive training for their roles, which the VEC says can help develop skills in administration, customer service and teamwork.
Election work takes place before, on and after election day, and the VEC publishes election duty statements describing the types of jobs available.
The VEC's work-at-elections pages explain how staff are paid, what allowances apply, and what to do if circumstances change.
Election day roles include helping voters at voting centres, managing queues and ballots, and assisting voters with accessibility needs. Counting roles involve processing ballot papers after the polls close, and the VEC says all staff are trained for the roles they take on.
The VEC publishes election duty statements describing the types of jobs available, including roles before, on and after election day. Staffing needs vary by location, and the VEC matches people to roles across Victoria based on where they are available to work.
Evidence review
How to apply
People interested in working at the election can register their interest at vec.vic.gov.au/workatelections.
People already registered for election work can use the VEC's self-service portal to update their details and view job offers and pay information.
The VEC can be contacted on 131 832 for information about working at elections.
Evidence review
Why election staff matter
The VEC runs general elections every two years in Victoria, and it takes thousands of people to deliver an election.
Electoral Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said working with the VEC is a great way to contribute to your local community, making sure every Victorian can have their say at the state election.
The 2026 state election will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026. Enrolment and voting information is available on the VEC's 2026 state election page.
Election work is casual and paid, and the VEC's work-at-elections pages explain the pay rates, allowances and conditions that apply. People already registered for election work can update their details and view job offers and pay information through the VEC's self-service portal.
Common questions
Before you rely on the answer
How many staff is the VEC recruiting for the 2026 state election?
The VEC is looking for more than 25,000 people to fill a wide range of roles across Victoria for the state election on Saturday 28 November 2026.
Who can apply to work at the election?
Applicants must be 18 years or older, eligible to work in Australia, and available on election day. Past experience is not required, and the VEC encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability and people without secure housing.
What kinds of roles are available?
Roles include working at a voting centre and counting ballots on election day, or supporting operations during the entire election period. Casual staff receive training.
How do I register to work at the election?
You can register your interest at vec.vic.gov.au/workatelections. The VEC's work-at-elections pages have information on pay, training, conditions and the types of jobs available.
Do I need experience to work at the election?
No. The VEC says past experience is not needed and that many casual election staff return each election; all staff receive training for their roles.
How are election staff paid?
Election work is casual and paid. The VEC's work-at-elections pages explain how staff are paid and what allowances apply, and registered staff can view job offers and pay information through the VEC's self-service portal.
What does the VEC do?
The VEC is Victoria's independent election management body. It runs general elections every two years in Victoria and conducts by-elections and other electoral events, with thousands of casual staff needed to deliver each election.
Source spine
Primary material used for this guide
- Victorian Electoral Commission — Media release: Applications now open to work at the 2026 state election (13 August 2026) — checked 2026-08-18
- Victorian Electoral Commission — Work at elections — checked 2026-08-18
- Victorian Electoral Commission — 2026 state election — checked 2026-08-18
Review trigger: Review when the VEC updates its election staffing information, when the state election timetable changes, when the VEC publishes recruitment updates or closes applications, or after the election on 28 November 2026.
Archive note: This article records the Victorian Electoral Commission's media release of 13 August 2026 about working at the 2026 state election, and the VEC's work-at-elections and 2026 state election pages, checked on 18 August 2026. Details are as published by the VEC and may be updated by the VEC; readers should check the VEC website for current information.
Primary links are provided without affiliate or tracking parameters. Confirm that the source still applies to the bill, sitting date, jurisdiction or reporting period before relying on it.