Poll Worker in the Election

Do you want to make a meaningful contribution to democracy? As a poll worker in the election, you help create a safe and fair electoral process. It is a responsibility that makes a difference – both for society and for each individual voter.

To be suitable as a poll worker, you need to be meticulous, stress-resistant, and have good judgment. You need to be able to meet people respectfully and always act impartially and factually, so that trust in the electoral process is maintained. It is also important that you are reliable and loyal and can understand the routines that apply to your specific role. All assignments are compensated with an hourly wage.

Before the election, you need to participate in the training related to the assignment. It is a training session of about three hours, held in the late afternoon and evening, in early August. It is important that you can absorb the training and that you participate even if you have worked as a poll worker before, as routines and procedures may change between elections.

Placement will occur in one of the municipality's 14 polling stations, six of which are located in Vetlanda and the others in the municipal divisions. Where you end up will be determined based on need and what you agree upon during the interview.

Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

As the chairperson, you have overall responsibility in the polling station on election day. You ensure that it is orderly, clean, and welcoming for voters and that the work follows the rules and routines that apply. You are responsible for the schedule and lead the team in the location, assigning tasks and ensuring that everyone knows what they need to do and when. You also have contact with the janitor regarding furniture, keys, and alarms and are involved in setting up the location in the days leading up to the election.

As the vice chairperson, you have the same tasks, but you primarily serve as support to the chairperson and can take over responsibility if needed.

As chairperson or vice chairperson, you need to participate in two training sessions – a general training for everyone working in the election and one for the role of chairperson. The assignment as chairperson and vice chairperson also involves some work before election day, for which you will receive a separate supplement.

Poll Worker

As a poll worker, you work in the polling station throughout election day. You contribute to a good reception and to ensuring that the election is conducted safely, fairly, and according to the applicable routines. You help voters find the right place, maintain order in the queue, and show the way to the ballots. You distribute ballot envelopes, direct voters to the voting booths, and collect the votes when voters are ready. In the location, you work together with the chairperson, vice chairperson, and other poll workers – usually four people at the same time.

The working hours on election day are when the polling station is open, between 08:00 and 20:00 – but you also stay after the polling station has closed until everything is counted.

Vote Counter

As a vote counter, you work after the polling station has closed at 20:00. You open ballot envelopes, count the votes together with the rest of the team, and ensure that everything is reported correctly. You also serve as a substitute for poll workers in case of illness.

Once the votes are counted, you help restore the location. You undergo the same training as other poll workers, as you need to be able to step in if necessary and feel secure in the assignment.

Poll Worker in Early Voting Location – City Hall

As a poll worker in the city hall, you work throughout the early voting period, from August 26 until election day on September 13. You receive voters, assist them through the process, and handle the digital registration of votes, which requires you to be comfortable using a computer and Bank-ID.

The opening hours in the city hall are 10:00–18:00 on weekdays and 10:00–14:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. On election day, it is open from 08:00 to 20:00. You also work a bit before and after opening hours to prepare and conclude the day.

The position requires that you can be available as many days as possible during the period, as continuity is important for the work to function well.

Poll Worker in Early Voting Location with Limited Opening Hours

For early voting outside of Vetlanda central, there are three locations – Pauliström, Näshult, and Ramkvilla. The locations are open two afternoons: September 8 and September 10, from 17:30 to 19:30. You are on site a bit before opening and after closing to set up and conclude the day.

The work corresponds to that in the city hall: you receive voters, guide them, and handle the digital registration of early votes, which means you need to be able to work on a computer and use Bank-ID.

Mobile Poll Worker

As a mobile poll worker, you drive to voters who cannot get to a polling station due to health reasons. You also visit special housing and other residences in the municipality. The assignment lasts throughout the early voting period, from August 26 to September 13, on weekdays and also during the election weekend.

You always work in pairs. The work is flexible and can come at short notice, so you need to be available on weekdays between 08:00 and 16:00 and not have other fixed commitments during that time.

You start from Vetlanda and use the municipality's car, which means you need to have a B driver's license. The role requires that you feel comfortable meeting people and can handle voting situations in various environments.

Qualifications

• At least 18 years old by the service day.
• You are not a candidate on a list – meaning you are not eligible in the current election.
• Proficient in the Swedish language in speech and writing and have the ability to handle the counting required for the assignment.
• Previous experience in election work or similar assignments is an advantage.
• Language skills beyond Swedish are an advantage.
• You must be able to participate in the mandatory training.