• Applications for voting station jobs are open until 31 August, with vacancies for Presiding Officers, Deputy Presiding Officers and Electoral Officers.

• Presiding and Deputy Presiding Officers can earn between R3,580 and R4,500, while Electoral Officers can receive between R1,320 and R3,000.

South Africans looking for temporary work have a chance to earn extra money while helping run the 2026 local government elections.

The Electoral Commission is recruiting people to work at voting stations for the elections scheduled for 4 November.

Applications are already open and will close on 31 August.

Here is what you need to know:

• Three types of jobs are available: Presiding Officer, Deputy Presiding Officer and Electoral Officer.

• Applications must be made online through the Electoral Commission’s recruitment system.

• Applicants must first create an electronic recruitment profile on the Electoral Commission’s official website.

• To create a profile, applicants must click on Register, read and accept the terms and conditions, enter their personal details and follow the instructions.

• Once the profile has been created, applicants can search for and apply for available election jobs.

What does a Presiding Officer do?

• A Presiding Officer is in charge of the voting station.

• They manage the voting process, supervise staff and take responsibility for election materials.

• The position requires leadership and supervisory skills as well as knowledge of election procedures.

What does a Deputy Presiding Officer do?

• A Deputy Presiding Officer helps the Presiding Officer manage the voting station.

• They must also be ready to take charge and supervise the voting station when required.

What does an Electoral Officer do?

• Electoral Officers help make sure voting runs smoothly.

• Their duties can include managing queues and checking and marking the voters’ roll.

• They can also apply voting ink, issue ballot papers and monitor voting booths.

Who is the Electoral Commission looking for?

• The Electoral Commission says supervisory experience will be important when selecting people for leadership positions at voting stations.

• It also wants the recruitment drive to provide job opportunities for unemployed South Africans and people with disabilities.

How much will you earn?

• Presiding Officers and Deputy Presiding Officers can expect to receive between R3,580 and R4,500 for the election event.

• The amount could differ depending on the region and will be subject to required deductions.

• Electoral Officers can expect to receive between R1,320 and R3,000 for the event.

The most important date for job seekers is 31 August.

Anyone interested in working during the elections should create their online recruitment profile and submit an application before the deadline.

Click here to apply: https://www.elections.org.za/pw/About-Us/BrowseJobs

Pictured above: The Electoral Commission is recruiting voting station staff for the 2026 local government elections.

Image source: Electoral Commission of South Africa