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Serving locally: Australia.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Canada.

Moraph for Good · Voice

Serving locally: Australia

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally

Local services depend on residents who give some of their time, from one day at an election to a seat on an advisory board. This sheet helps you find a role that fits.

Ways to serve

  • Advisory boards and commissions on subjects such as parks, libraries or accessibility.
  • Election work, run by the official election office.
  • School governing boards, community councils and volunteer roles with public services.

Ask before you apply

  • Who is eligible, and are there background checks?
  • How much time does it take, and what training is provided?
  • Is it paid, or are expenses covered?
  • Are there rules about political activity?

Where to look

  • Your local government’s website, under boards, committees or vacancies.
  • Your official election office for election work.
  • The official sources on the back of this sheet.

Stay impartial

  • Election workers serve every voter equally.
  • Questions about voting go to your official election office.

In Australia

  • Working at elections. The Australian Electoral Commission offers temporary, paid work at federal elections, by-elections and referendums, in cities, regional and remote areas, with paid training.
  • Who is eligible. You must be an Australian citizen and politically neutral, which means not expressing an opinion or taking action about political parties, candidates and their policies. For most jobs you must be at least 18; under-18s may be able to work before and after voting day.
  • Checks and registering. Many roles require a police check before you start. You register online with the AEC, or get help from your local AEC office.

Official places to check:

  • Australian Electoral Commission: www.aec.gov.au/employment/working-at-elections/index.htm
  • Australian Electoral Commission: www.aec.gov.au/employment/working-at-elections/eligibility.htm

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/voice/serving-locally