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Mobile Polling Place ManagerMANUAL
ELECTION
2021
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Our Purpose To provide Western Australians with an electoral experience that they understand, trust and can access easily and efficiently.
Our Values Impartial
Our electoral outcomes will not be influenced by others.
Professional
Our work will be at the highest standards for ethics, accuracy and efficiency.
Respectful
Our relationships will be courteous, honest and fair with all.
Innovative
Our systems and processes will adapt to customers’ needs.
Collaborative
As a team we will consult and test new ideas with customers.
IMPORTANT
COVID-19 Pandemic Implications
The 2021 State general election is likely to be like no other. Given the uncertainty over what the
precise community health circumstances will be in February/March 2021 and recognising the speed
with which things can change under a pandemic scenario, this manual has largely been written to
reflect a traditional in-person State election at which mobile polling remains an option for some
special institutions. Where and whether mobile polling proceeds or not will depend on the status of
the pandemic at the time and advice from public health authorities.
A final COVID Management Plan with Guidelines will be published closer to the election. Information
will also be included in online training and your Returning Officer will provide further direction. It is
possible that some procedures described in this manual may be subject to change. Nevertheless,
even if Western Australia is not experiencing any community transmission at the time of the
election, public health directions will apply at polling venues, which currently include maintaining a
minimum of 2 sqm per person and managing shared spaces to ensure physical distancing. Hand
sanitiser use, plastic inserts for voting screens, and single use pencils will be some of the other
changes at this election.
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Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 1 _____________________________________________________________________________________
CONTENTS
Message from the Commissioner 3
Your employment 4
Duties of the mobile polling team 5
Types of mobile voting 6
Remote area mobile polling 6
Materials and Administration
Materials 7
Cardboard equipment 7
Security of materials 8
Preparation for mobile polling
Mobile Polling Schedule 9
Meal breaks and travel breaks 9
Mobile Polling Staff 10
Mobile polling visits
Displaying posters 11
Sealing ballot boxes 11
Delay in opening 12
Assisting electors 12
Issuing votes
Compulsory questions 13
Other Situations & Information
Silent electors 14
Cancelling a postal vote 14
Spoilt ballot papers 14
Discarded ballot papers 15
Accidents or Incidents 15
Camera and filming in the Polling place 15
MPPM absence 15
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 2 _____________________________________________________________________________________
End of mobile visit 16
Visit to subsequent locations 16
Final scheduled visit 17
Packing and return of materials – after final visit 17
Candidates, party workers and scrutineers 18
Counts 19
Packing and return of materials – after count 20
Checklists
1 – Materials 21
2 – Preparing for mobile visits 22
3 – Mobile team visit 23
4 – Count – First Preference – Legislative Assembly 24
5 – Count – Indicative Two Candidate Preferred – Legislative Assembly 25
6 – Count – Above the line First Preference – Legislative Council 26
7 – Packing and return of materials 27
Appendix 1 – Spelling of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander names 28-31
Appendix 2 – Guidelines for remote /regional Aboriginal communities 32-33
Appendix 3 – Managing polling during the COVID-19 Pandemic 34-35
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 3 _____________________________________________________________________________________
MESSAGE FROM THE ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER
Congratulations on your appointment as a Mobile Polling Place Manager (MPPM). You will be the
front line in our democratic process, managing electoral procedures and supervising staff at polling
locations.
The Western Australian Electoral Commission is strongly committed to ensuring equality of access by
the community to all of our electoral services.
A key to the smooth running of the election is your ability to ensure that all members of the
community are treated with courtesy and in accordance with electoral procedures.
This manual provides the information to help you understand your functions and your specific
responsibilities and duties as a MPPM.
Even if you are an experienced MPPM, you should check the standard procedures at each election,
as they may have changed. Please complete the checklists in this manual as you undertake the
various tasks. If you have any queries, contact your Returning Officer.
In addition, you will need to read, and be fully conversant with Declaration Issuing Officers manual
which covers the work of polling officers in more detail.
Do not disclose any confidential elector information that you see or hear while working for the
Commission. Remember the need for impartiality and professionalism in your conduct is part of the
Commission’s commitment to providing a successful election outcome.
Thank you for your involvement in our democratic system and I hope you are proud of the
contribution you will make.
Robert Kennedy ELECTORAL COMMISSIONER 2021 State General Election
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 4 _____________________________________________________________________________________
YOUR EMPLOYMENT
Mobile Polling Place Managers (MPPM) and Officers are paid on an hours worked basis
and are required to maintain a timesheet.
Depending on local arrangements mobile polling team members may all meet for face to face
training with their Returning Officer (RO) or alternatively just the MPPM may attend face to face
training, typically at the same time as static polling place PPMs in the district. All polling staff are
expected to read their respective manual carefully and complete mandatory online training.
Staff attending face to face training may seek reimbursement for the use of their private motor
vehicle for any distance travelled in excess of 30km. Staff using a private vehicle to undertake
multiple trips or travel to various locations in the course of their election related are able to apply
for travel reimbursement at the applicable PSA award rate.
As a MPPM, before attending face-to-face training:
o Complete online training
o Read Declaration Issuing Officer manual
o Read Mobile Polling Place Manager manual
Your RO will let you know when your face-to-face training session will be held.
At the training session, the following topics will be covered:
o Schedule of visits for each team
o Preparations for mobile polling for specific locations
o Supply and return of polling materials
o Effective management of the polling place and mobile voting
o Where applicable, use of the Elector Recording System (ERS)
o COVID-19 related restrictions and procedures
Additional points to note
o Mobile team members must have a current flu vaccination certificate if visiting hospitals
and aged care facilities
o Mobile phones are not to be used for personal use whilst on duty
o You must remain politically neutral, no comments to electors or on social media
o Personal property is always your responsibility to keep safe and secure
o Ensure you maintain a high standard of personal hygiene with regular use of hand sanitiser.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 5 _____________________________________________________________________________________
DUTIES OF THE MOBILE POLLING TEAM
Mobile Polling Officers issue both ordinary and declaration votes* and should be trained to carry
out the following tasks:
o Ask every elector the three compulsory questions
o Ascertain the elector’s district of enrolment
o Mark the elector’s name on the electoral roll (either printed or ERS computer)
o Prepare declaration forms if required
o Issue ballot papers to the elector
o Complete Elector Information Reports PP34 where required
o Assist electors to vote if asked for assistance
o Record the total number of ballot papers received and issued on the front page of the
electoral roll, on the Account of Ballot Papers – Ordinary Electors PP15 and the Mobile
Polling Team Return PP59
o Ensure that the mobile ballot box is safely secured and sealed when completing each
location before transit to the next location
o Sign the electoral roll at the end of polling
o Prepare the reconciliation return
o Prepare for the close of polling, e.g. pack up equipment
o Assist with packing up materials
o Return materials to your RO.
*At a mobile polling location, declaration votes include absent votes issued to electors from
outside the district (yellow PP90 if using ERS or green PP25 if issuing a manual absent vote) and
provisional votes (issued using the green PP25). All declaration votes are to be placed in an
envelope – either a PP90 or a PP25. If the elector is enrolled in the district in which the special
institution is located and can be found on the printed roll for that district, they are issued an
ordinary vote and the ballot papers are not placed in an envelope.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 6 _____________________________________________________________________________________
TYPES OF MOBILE VOTING
The Electoral Commissioner may declare certain special institutions for mobile polling. Only locations
advertised in the Government Gazette can be visited as mobile polling locations.
Your RO will advise of any special arrangements for each mobile team. Traditionally, the types of
mobiles are:
o Hospitals or special institutions prior to election day are called “non-static” if moving from bed to bed or room to room or setting up temporarily at a communal location
o Hospitals or special institutions on election day are called “static”, when a place in the building is set aside for polling
o Larger sites may operate a combination of static and non-static within the same facility
o Remote mobile prior to or on election day at set isolated country locations.
A team may visit a number of locations on the same day, with the duration of some visits being just
2 hours, before moving on to the next location. You must visit all venues scheduled by your RO and
you must not visit any ungazetted location, no matter how close it may be to an official location.
Remote area mobile polling only occurs in the four Mining and Pastoral Region districts:
o Kalgoorlie
o Kimberley
o North West Central
o Pilbara
WAEC staff will liaise closely with the four Mining and Pastoral Regional ROs in respect of visit
scheduling and advance promotion to indigenous communities and other remote sites.
Notes for ROs –
It is estimated that one polling team is required per 100 patients. In larger hospitals and special
institutions there may be several teams of two Mobile Polling Issuing Officers appointed with a
Mobile Polling Place Manager overseeing all the teams. Access to areas may require locking doors
securely upon arrival and departure. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitals and aged care
facilities may insist on sighting a current flu vaccination certificate before allowing entry to the site.
It is recommended that female polling officers are employed at hospitals and institutions for women.
They will ideally be mature, experienced and have excellent communication skills and an
understanding of the requirements of people who work in declared institutions and hospitals.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 7 _____________________________________________________________________________________
MATERIALS AND ADMINISTRATION
Materials
o Pack 14 Mobile Polling Place Manager – 2 parts, Mobile visits and Counting & Packing Materials
o Pack 40 Polling Place IT Equipment
o Pack 41 ERS
o Portable vinyl mobile ballot box
o Mobile carry bag
o Portable voting screen
o Ballot papers
o Printed electoral roll(s) and ERS computer
o WAEC CLAX trollies
o Returning Officer instructions for your mobile team.
Cardboard Equipment
Cardboard screens and queuing equipment are not used at non-static mobile locations. If they are
required, they will be provided by your Returning Officer. Arrangements for the return of this
material should be discussed with your RO.
When you receive your materials, you must:
o Check that you have received the correct number of each item against the inventory of materials
o Use the Inventory of Ballot Papers for a District RO25. Immediately check, sign and date as confirmation of receipt
o Advise your RO immediately if ballot papers are missing or you have surplus supply. Ballot papers are not identified as ordinary or declaration but are for each district/region. Conjoined ballot papers are in bundles of 50.
o Each boxed Ballot Paper Declaration Set contains 10 conjoined ballot papers for each of the 59 Assembly districts along with 10 ‘blanks’ for each of the 6 Council regions. In total each boxed set contains 650 ballot papers.
o Record the total figures received on Mobile Polling Team Return PP59. The Account of Declaration Ballot Papers Received and Issued PP56 may be used as a record (please disregard instruction at end of the second page these are for ordinary polling places)
o Ballot papers, electoral rolls and ERS computers should be stored securely before, during and after mobile polling
o Never leave polling material in a vehicle overnight.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 8 _____________________________________________________________________________________
Forms used for Administration
The Mobile Polling Team Return PP59 is the document used by each mobile team when visiting
mobile polling venues. The Mobile Polling General Return PP58 is used to consolidate all the
PP59s for the District and is used when conducting the count of all mobile votes issued in the
district, after 6.00pm on election night. The district RO will determine who will manage the count
of all mobile votes issued within the district.
Take the time before the start of your mobile team visits to read and understand the PP59.
Where the validity of an election is challenged in a Court of Disputed Returns, the PP58 and PP59
may be used as evidence.
Security of materials
Instruct your Issuing Officer(s) to:
o Keep a record of all ballot papers received and issued in Mobile Polling Team Return
PP59
o Retain any spoilt ballot papers and record them as spoilt on a PP36 envelope
o Keep a record of the number of votes issued
o Be responsible for and maintain security of all declaration vote envelopes and ballot
papers (used and unused)
o Keep ballot papers in a safe and secure area. Do not leave on table if unattended
o Keep ballot boxes under supervision at all times
o Keep personal belongings safe and secure. The WAEC is unable to accept responsibility for
the loss of personal property
o Make sure you keep ballot papers and electoral rolls in the locked boot of your vehicle
when transporting them
o Be aware that only electoral officials can handle ballot papers (used or unused, discarded,
spoilt), rolls and ballot boxes
o Keep all materials packaged together, checking materials at the start and end of polling at
each location, to account for all items
o Ensure that ballot boxes are kept sealed and not opened until after 6pm on election night.
The cleft at the top must be sealed or covered at the end of each visit and while in
transit.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 9 _____________________________________________________________________________________
PREPARATION FOR MOBILE POLLING
Mobile Polling Schedule
The time and date for attending declared mobile polling places will be pre-arranged by your RO
and the Electoral Commissioner.
You must visit all venues scheduled by your RO. Do not visit any ungazetted (unlisted) location.
Your RO will provide you with the itinerary setting out:
o Locations of the mobile polling places
o Dates and times when polling will take place
o Whether all polling is mobile or if a static station will need to be set up
o Names and phone numbers of the contact people at each mobile polling place.
Each polling place will be provided with a notice giving the date and times when polling will take
place. This should be on display at the venue before mobile polling visits to raise awareness.
It is essential that you keep to the itinerary as far as possible and never leave the declared mobile
polling place before the time allocated (even if it appears everyone has voted). However, you may
extend the time to allow all electors who are present to vote so long as this doesn’t cause a late start
at the next venue in the schedule.
During mobile polling, the MPPM supervises and oversees polling operations to ensure correct
procedures are followed.
Make sure you:
o Know how to get to these locations well before the day
o Plan sufficient time for travel, including possible delays (traffic problems and other events) between visits
o Identify the last person in the queue at 6.00 pm if operating on election day. No one else can
vote after the close of polling if they were not present by 6.00 pm.
Meal Breaks and Travel Breaks
Schedule meal breaks before and after mobile polling and take this time into account when
travelling long distances.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 10 _____________________________________________________________________________________
Mobile Polling Staff
Ensure and confirm:
o Issuing Officers at declared institutions have read and understood their manual
o All staff have had a current flu vaccination and have their vaccination certificate
available – these will need to be sighted at many facilities before entry is allowed
o Staff to exercise utmost diplomacy and tact in all dealings with the institutions
o Staff to refer any difficulties they experience with the management of the institutions to you
in the first instance
o Staff are not to leave the institution or hospital before the scheduled closing time, even
if voting appears to be completed
o Strict security is to be maintained at all times over ballot papers and ballot boxes in use
o Staff know the three compulsory questions to ask, and must ask the three questions every time a vote is to be issued (two of the questions, name and enrolled address, are covered by the manual declaration form (PP25) if being used)
o That staff fully understand the provisions relating to providing assistance to voters
o That staff know the rules for ordinary and declaration voting:
• electors enrolled for the district in which the special institution or hospital is located cast an ordinary vote – use the printed electoral roll and don’t place the ballot papers in an envelope
• electors enrolled elsewhere in Western Australia cast an absent declaration vote – either by using the ERS computer or the manual declaration form PP25
• an elector who can’t be found on the roll but insists they are enrolled can be issued a provisional vote using the manual declaration form PP25
• there are residency requirements which can exclude people from voting
• completed postal votes can be handed to a mobile team – these must be recorded in the PP59 and put into the ballot box
• declaration forms must be signed by the elector and the issuing officer.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 11 _____________________________________________________________________________________
MOBILE POLLING VISITS
As a Mobile Polling Place Manager, you are:
o Appointed to manage teams of two or more and to visit mobile polling places as directed by
your RO
o Required to supervise and conduct ordinary and declaration voting operations during mobile
polling
o Responsible directly to your RO who is in turn responsible to the Electoral Commissioner.
Ask your RO for any instruction, information or supplies you need.
Your Returning Officer is responsible for:
o Appointing all Mobile Polling Place staff
o Supplying ballot boxes, ballot papers and copies of the roll and other materials for use by
each mobile polling team
o Advising all declared institutions or hospitals of the time and date of each mobile visit and
ensuring that each mobile polling place receives a Temporary Mobile / Remote Polling Place
RO11 sign
o Providing these locations with the name of the person conducting the mobile polling
o Advising the candidates at least 48 hours in advance of starting, the place, time and date of
each mobile visit, to enable them to appoint scrutineers.
Display Posters
Posters may be displayed at static polling locations or provided on request to electors at non-
static polling places for their convenience.
o How to mark your ballot paper PP42 (place on voting screens)
o Electoral Offences PP43
o Recognition of Traditional Owners PP77
Sealing ballot boxes
At the first polling place or wherever a new ballot box is brought into use, you must:
o Display the empty ballot box to any scrutineer or other persons present
o Seal the ballot box in the presence of a scrutineer, elector or another polling official who
can act as a witness (can be another Mobile Polling Official)
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 12 _____________________________________________________________________________________
o Record the seal number in the Mobile Polling Team Return PP59 and have your entry witnessed by a scrutineer, or if none are present, by another polling official
o Note – most vinyl mobile ballot boxes are a two-tiered format –
• The bottom section is to remain secured until 6pm on election night.
• The top tier can be opened while on location revealing the cleft of the ballot box.
This is to be sealed at the end of each visit and before transit. An ERS machines or
printed electoral roll can be securely stored in the top section between visits.
During visit
o There are to be at least two officers present at all times
o Both ordinary and declaration votes may be issued
o Postal votes may be received and noted in the PP59 then placed into the ballot box
o Scrutineers may potentially be present.
Delay in opening a location
Should you experience delays in starting at a location, contact your RO and also the institution
with your estimated start time. Advise any scrutineers present of any adjustments to mobile
polling times. Record any variation to the start time on PP59, along with corrective action taken
(possibly staying open longer).
If the start is delayed for some reason, you should still operate for the full period advertised.
Never open polling earlier than scheduled. If you begin 15 minutes late, continue 15 minutes past
the advertised closing time.
On arrival check the condition and suitability of the polling place. If there are any problems or
inadequacies, you should take appropriate action.
Assisting electors
o Display Hard of Hearing card
o Be courteous, respectful and patient at all times
o Offer Multilingual Guide to electors unfamiliar with English or have them write their name
on a piece of paper
o Utilise the How to Complete Your Ballot Papers videos on the tablet – in English and
various other languages
o Use the desk-top voting screen for frail electors and those with mobility difficulties
o Staff with non-English language skills should wear ‘I speak [language]’ PP89 labels
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 13 _____________________________________________________________________________________
ISSUING VOTES
Refer to DIO manual – pages 10-14
Identify the elector
Before issuing ballot papers, identify the elector by asking the following 3 compulsory questions:
‘Have you cast an early vote for this election or already voted today?’
If YES, then the elector is not entitled to vote again, if NO, ask the next two questions:
‘What is your full name?’
‘Where do you live?’
For Ordinary Voters – electors enrolled in the district in which the venue is located
Find the elector and correctly mark the printed district electoral roll. With a black pen ONLY, draw a
continuous straight line between the arrowheads to the left of the elector’s name. DO NOT draw
through the number or name. For further instructions refer to the ‘instruction sheet’ inside the
cover of the electoral roll. Completed ordinary ballot papers are placed directly into the ballot box
without an envelope.
For Absent or Provisional Voters - issuing a declaration vote
Electors enrolled in other districts may cast an absent vote.
If using an ERS computer, mark them off the roll electronically and have them fold their
completed ballot papers into a yellow PP90 envelope before placing the envelope in the ballot
box.
If an ERS computer is not available, have the elector complete a green PP25 declaration form into
which their completed ballot papers are inserted before being placed in the ballot box.
A provisional vote is also issued using the green manual declaration form PP25.
A provisional vote is issued where an elector believes they are enrolled but their name cannot be
found on either the printed or electronic roll, or their name has already been marked off and they
declare that they have not already voted.
Both the elector and the mobile polling officer must sign the PP25 declaration form.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 14 _____________________________________________________________________________________
Issuing Ballot Papers
Separate the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council ballot papers along the perforation line
before handing both papers to the elector and issue a small pencil.
Instruct the elector as follows:
o ‘Read the instructions on the ballot paper and use numbers only’
o ‘Complete both ballot papers’
o ‘Fold them and place in the ballot box’ or return to be placed in appropriate envelope
o Electors can keep the pencil provided.
OTHER SITUATIONS & INFORMATION
Silent Electors
Certain electors, for security reasons, have only their names listed on the roll (silent electors). Their address is replaced on the roll by ‘Section 51B’. Ask the elector the first two compulsory questions only, mark against their name on the roll and then issue their ballot papers
Completed Postal Votes
An elector or a friend or relative, can hand in a completed postal vote return envelope instead of
posting it. A postal vote for any district may be accepted and should be placed in the ballot box.
Cancelling a Postal Vote
Should an elector with a postal voting pack wish to cancel their postal vote and vote in-person instead, endorse the voting pack ‘CANCELLED at (name of Polling Place)’, date and sign it and give it to the MPPM. Issue the elector with ballot papers in the normal manner.
Spoilt ballot papers An elector is entitled to ask for a fresh ballot paper if they have made an error on the original.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 15 _____________________________________________________________________________________
o Write the word ‘Spoilt’ on the back of the returned ballot paper
o Place it in a Spoilt or Discarded Ballot Paper(s) envelope (PP36)
o Complete the details on the front of the envelope
o Separate the two parts of the replacement conjoined ballot paper and give the elector only
the ballot paper required
o Place the other half of the ballot paper, which is not required, into the envelope along with
the spoilt ballot paper
o Retain the envelope until the close of polling, for reconciling.
The number of spoilt envelopes is to be recorded on the Account of Ordinary Ballot Papers (PP15).
Discarded ballot papers
Staff may find a ballot paper left in a voting screen or on the floor, DO NOT place in ballot box. Place
in a PP36 envelope, tick the discarded box and hand to the MPPM.
Accidents or Incidents
Where any person attending a polling place has an accident, details must be recorded in full, on a
Polling Place Accident Report PP81. Any other incidents that arise at the polling place can be
recorded on a Report on Incident and Miscellaneous Matters form PP82.
Return these forms with the PP59. In the case of serious accidents, contact appropriate services e.g.
Ambulance, for assistance, then contact your RO.
Cameras and filming in the polling place
You may receive requests from a candidate or the media in regard to filming. Filming may take place
when:
o Approved by your RO
o Pictures do not reveal how a person voted
o If electors are involved, that they are agreeable
o Electors and polling staff are not inconvenienced or unduly delayed.
Mobile Polling Place Manager absence
A substitute MPPM must be appointed if you leave the polling place at any time during the day.
Complete the Appointment of Substitute Polling Place Manager form - refer PP59 on page 11.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 16 _____________________________________________________________________________________
END OF MOBILE VISIT
Seal the ballot box and record the seal number in Mobile Polling Team Return PP59. For the vinyl
ballot boxes use the special seals for the top zip. For the small cardboard ballot boxes use a paper
seal to cover the cleft. Ensure that the sealing of the ballot box is witnessed by a scrutineer, or if
none are present, by another polling official.
Also:
o Dismantle voting screens (where applicable)
o Remove any signs/posters – inside and out
o Return furniture to original position.
o Make sure no election material has been left behind (inside and outside).
o Count all unused ballot papers.
o Complete Mobile Polling Team Return PP59.
o Complete and sign form Account of Ordinary Ballot Papers PP15 on the front of the
electoral roll.
VISITS TO SUBSEQUENT LOCATIONS
At the appointed time for polling to commence at subsequent declared mobile polling places, you
must:
o Display the sealed ballot box to any scrutineer present or other persons present
o Check all seal numbers on the ballot box against those recorded on Mobile Polling Team Return PP59
o For vinyl ballot boxes, break the seal and unzip the cleft on the lid of the ballot box so that the ballot papers can be deposited by voters. If using a cardboard ballot box, it is recommended that you use a trimmer or blade to expose the ballot paper cleft. Removing the paper seal entirely may damage the ballot box top.
o The bottom section of the ballot box containing the paper must remain secured at all times and not opened until after 6pm on election night
The mobile ballot box may be used continuously and taken from one mobile polling location to
another but must be sealed prior to leaving each polling place.
o Scrutineers may accompany a mobile team.
o Strict security must be placed on all materials and ballot boxes.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 17 _____________________________________________________________________________________
FINAL SCHEDULED MOBILE VISIT
Complete Mobile Polling Team Return PP59 and include any additional completed forms, refer to
page 17 of the return.
Complete Polling Staff Payment Sheets and Work Assessment Summary. If there are any staff
position changes, enter these details onto this sheet.
Payment to Polling Officers may be delayed if a staff member fails to sign the attendance sheet.
PACKING AND RETURN OF MATERIALS – AFTER FINAL VISIT
Once all mobile polling places have been visited, the sealed ballot boxes and materials are to be
delivered to your RO.
The RO will keep mobile ballot boxes and other material in safe custody until after 6pm on Polling
day. At this time, a MPPM appointed by the RO will count the ordinary votes taken at all mobile
polling places within the district.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 18 _____________________________________________________________________________________
CANDIDATES, PARTY WORKERS AND SCRUTINEERS
Candidates can only enter a polling place to record their own vote.
Party Workers distribute ‘how to vote’ material for candidates. They can ONLY enter the polling
place to record their own vote and MUST NOT wear any campaign advertising while in the polling
place.
Scrutineers represent the candidate in the polling place. They are free to observe all the operations
of the polling place and they play an important role in the electoral process.
o Scrutineers MUST wear a yellow scrutineer vest provided by the MPPM
o Any questions raised by the scrutineer should be referred to the MPPM
o Scrutineers MUST NOT handle ballot material under any circumstance or interfere with the
electoral process.
Special rules for mobile scrutineers & ‘How to Vote’ materials
If you are conducting mobile polling in an institution, the Electoral Act 1907 permits a scrutineer
accompanying mobile polling teams to distribute correctly authorised literature including ‘How to
Vote’ cards.
“A scrutineer accompanying a mobile portable ballot box under section 100A or 100B may
distribute to persons recording their votes at the mobile portable ballot box literature (which may
be, or include, “how to vote” cards) that suggests a manner in which ballot papers might be
marked.”
Under no circumstances are mobile polling officials to distribute political “how to vote” material
to electors.
Requests for 'How to Vote' material
Sometimes an elector asks a Polling Official’s advice on whom to vote for or for candidates’
details. A Polling Official cannot give advice on whom to vote for.
With the exception of remote mobile polling teams, electoral officials do not carry any ‘How to
Vote’ material, given the sheer volume of material involved and the potential for it to be
perceived having official status or being endorsed by the Commission.
Alternatively, in a hospital ward, patients may request ‘How to Vote’ material from any scrutineers
that may be accompanying the team.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 19 _____________________________________________________________________________________
COUNTS
The count of all ballot papers issued at mobile polling locations typically takes place at the RO’s
election night base and is managed by a designated MPPM.
Once the PP59 for each mobile team has been confirmed correct, transfer the totals from page 7
to the PP58 on page 4.
Consolidate each team/s Summary of declaration votes on page 9 of the PP59 to the PP58 on
page 4.
Complete the Reconciliation of ALL team/s ballot papers on page 4 of the PP58.
The ballot papers issued at the district’s mobile polling places are then amalgamated and the
counts can be undertaken.
There are 3 separate counts to be conducted:
1. Legislative Assembly - First Preference
2. Legislative Assembly - Indicative Two Candidate Preferred (2CP)
3. Legislative Council - Above the Line First preference
Refer to Checklists 4, 5 and 6 for instructions on conducting each count.
Refer to the Formality Guide for clarification in determining the formality of ballot papers.
Not balancing - If there is a difference greater than 5 in reconciliation of ballot papers:
o Recheck all figures
o Recheck calculations
o Recount ballot papers.
A small difference may be due to an elector not placing a ballot paper into the ballot box. Contact
your RO if you need further advice.
Once you have balanced and checked the First Preference - Legislative Assembly ballot papers,
record totals in the PP58 – refer to page 8.
Phone your RO immediately with the count totals.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 20 _____________________________________________________________________________________
Proceed to conduct the - Indicative Two Candidate Preferred (2CP) - Legislative Assembly ballot
papers count. Refer to Checklist 5.
Proceed to conduct the - Above the Line First preference - Legislative Council ballot papers. Refer to
Checklist 6.
Once all counts have been conducted, finalise the reconciliation of your PP58 – refer to page 5.
PACKING AND RETURN OF MATERIALS – AFTER COUNT
After counting is completed your main task will be the packing of parcels for return to your RO.
While packing materials will be one of the last tasks you will perform, it is just the start for hundreds
of other staff at the Processing Centre. It is therefore very important each parcel only contains the
materials listed on the relevant label.
Packing parcels
The packing of parcels is a very important task, allow yourself enough room to spread out the labels
and bags/boxes, sort and store the relevant items with each label.
Have an assistant check all contents. Once checked, complete the labels, record the seal numbers
and sign. Neatly pack the correct contents and attach the correct label.
Record seal numbers for each parcel in your PP58 – refer to page 3.
Completing the Polling Place Manager General Return
Complete all pages of your PP58, including administration pages and the completed forms checklist
on page 11.
Sign the declaration on page 3 and place your PP58 in the Priority parcel PP46 and then seal.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 21 _____________________________________________________________________________________
MATERIALS CHECKLIST 1
Count, check, record
Confirm the number of ordinary conjoined ballot papers received for your district –
assume all bundles are the quantity indicated. Check against the Ballot Paper
Inventory report RO25
Count declaration ballot papers – each boxed set contains 650 ballot papers
(10 for each of the 59 districts, plus 10 ‘blanks’ for each of the 6 regions)
NOTE – You may also receive additional ballot paper bundles for bordering districts,
which will be in addition to those in the declaration box set.
Check against the Ballot Paper Inventory report RO25
Advise RO of any discrepancies
Confirm you have received all your materials and equipment
Check against the Polling Place Resource report
Advise your RO of any significant discrepancies
Check ERS computers and tablets
Familiarise yourself and check all are working
Ensure all are fully charged one or two days prior to visits
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 22 _____________________________________________________________________________________
PREPARING FOR MOBILE VISITS CHECKLIST 2
Your RO will provide you with a schedule of your mobile polling venues, dates and times.
Make sure you review the schedule carefully
Estimate travelling times between locations
Confirm venue contact person details
Check specific location for polling
Confirm correct dates for visits
Allow enough time for setting up and packing up at the venue and for breaks
Prepare for visits
Confirm you have all materials from your RO
District ballot papers and declaration boxed sets
Mobile ballot box
Mobile carry bag for other materials, utilise CLAX trolley if provided
Portable voting screen, cardboard screens if conducting a static location
Your Mobile Polling Team Return PP59
Remember your phone charger
Flu vaccination certificate
Name badge and blue vest
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 23 _____________________________________________________________________________________
MOBILE TEAM VISIT CHECKLIST 3
If delayed in arriving
Call the venue contact person and advise estimated arrival time
Extend closing time if convenient for venue, advise your RO and any scrutineers
present
Record on page 15 of the PP59 – time, delay reason and action taken
On arrival
Meet the venue contact person, follow venue instructions
Check venues preferred location, if setting up a static location
If not a static location, ensure you keep all materials with you at all times
Brief any scrutineers present at the start of polling or as they arrive, ensure they
wear a vest and name badge and understand their obligations
First polling visit
Seal ballot box, have witnessed and record seal in PP59 on page 4
If moving from bed to bed, use portable voting screen and use PP92 card – ‘I have
voted’ to identify electors who have voted
End of every visit before transit
Record number of unused ballot papers in PP59 on page 7
Place seal on ballot box slot, have witnessed and record in PP59 on pages 4-6
End of all scheduled visits
Complete PP59
Complete attendance and travel forms
Return all materials to your RO
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 24 _____________________________________________________________________________________
COUNT – FIRST PREFERENCE - LA CHECKLIST 4
Instructions
Set up LA - count cards PP73, one for each candidate and one for informal ballots
Check seal numbers in PP59 and open ballot box
Direct staff to sort ballot papers based on the first preference vote (the candidate
with number 1 next to their name)
Advise staff if there is any doubt about the formality of a ballot paper, place it in the
informal pile
Regularly check all ballot papers in the informal pile. Record your decision on the
back of the ballot paper with – ‘Admitted’ or ‘Rejected’ and initial. Place ‘admitted’
into the count. Place ‘rejected’ into the informal pile. Where the status of a ballot
paper is challenged by a scrutineer, use HO11 stickers to confirm your decision.
Once sorted - count ballot papers into bundles of 50, secure with rubber band. Place
any remaining loose ballot papers on top of the pile with the total on a post-it note.
Conduct ‘flick check’- check that the number 1 is next to the same candidate on
every ballot paper, to ensure they have been sorted to the correct candidate.
Write the ballot paper totals on each of the count cards
Record totals in the PP58 on page 8
Check against reconciliation of ballot papers – on page 5, if there is a difference
greater than 5 recheck all bundle numbers and flick check all ballot papers
Phone your RO immediately with the first preference total for each candidate plus
the total number of informal ballot papers
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 25 _____________________________________________________________________________________
COUNT – INDICATIVE 2 CANDIDATE PREFERRED - LA CHECKLIST 5
Instructions
Separate the ballot papers of the 2 selected candidates (as advised by your RO) and put them aside – you will not be looking at them for this count
Repeat the following process for each of the non-selected candidates, one at a time.
You are looking for the ‘preferred’ candidate out of the 2 selected candidates. The preferred
candidate will be the candidate with the lowest numbered preference mark.
For example – a 2 next to a selected candidate’s name shows the voter prefers that candidate over a
4 marked against the other selected candidate.
Exhausted – a ballot paper is exhausted if it cannot be distributed to either of the preferred
candidates.
On PP58, write the selected candidate names in the boxes marked ‘Candidate 1’ and
‘Candidate 2’
Look at each of the ballot papers for the first non-selected candidate
Only look at the preferences for the 2 selected candidates on those ballot papers – which of
the selected candidates has the lowest numbered preference mark
Sort the ballot papers into 3 piles – Candidate 1, Candidate 2 and exhausted
Count the ballot papers in each pile and record the totals on page 8 of the PPM return
(PP58) in the appropriate row, under Candidate 1, Candidate 2 or exhausted
Once recorded, bundle those ballot papers together, place the count card on top, put them
aside and then take the ballot papers for the second non-selected candidate and repeat the
same procedure
Repeat this same process for every non-selected candidate
Once every non-selected candidate’s ballot papers have been sorted, counted and recorded,
total the columns on page 8 so that you have figures in boxes A, B, C, D and E. Boxes A and E
must be the same.
Phone your RO immediately with the count totals from boxes A to E
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 26 _____________________________________________________________________________________
COUNT – ABOVE THE LINE FIRST PREFERENCE - LC CHECKLIST 6
Instructions
Direct staff to sort ballot papers into 3 piles – Above the line (ATL), Below the line
(BTL) and obvious informal
ATL votes – only requires the number 1 or a suitable mark placed in one box, to be formal.
BLT votes – requires all boxes must be numbered consecutively, to be formal.
Obvious Informal votes – includes blanks, repeated numbers and missing numbers.
All ballot papers will be re-checked at the Processing Centre over the following week, so
there is no need for polling place staff to check BTL ballot papers for completeness.
Set up LC- count cards - PP72, one for each ATL group; one for all BTL ballot papers
and one for all informal ballot papers
Direct staff - to sort ATL ballot papers based on the first preference vote
Regularly check all ballot papers in the informal pile
Once sorted - count ballot papers into bundles of 50, secure with rubber band
Conduct ‘flick check’
Write the ballot paper totals on each of the count cards
BTL ballot papers - do not need sorting. Count ballot papers into bundles of 50,
secure with fold back clips and place in the special boxes. NOTE - new process
Informal ballot papers – combine ATL and BTL together. Count ballot papers into
bundles of 50, secure with rubber band
Record totals in the PP58 – on page 9
Check against reconciliation of ballot papers – on page 5, if there is a difference
greater than 5 recheck all bundle numbers and flick check all ballot papers
Phone your RO immediately with the count totals
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 27 _____________________________________________________________________________________
PACKING AND RETURN OF MATERIALS CHECKLIST 7
Instructions
Correctly pack all parcels – follow the instructions on each label. If you fail to
correctly pack your parcels your RO will make you repack them correctly
Record security seal numbers for each parcel in the PP58 - on page 3
Complete all elements of your PP58, including checklist – on page 11 and sign
Box all parcels ready for return to RO, as per instructions from your RO
Deliver materials to RO; you will need to wait until all materials have been checked-in
before leaving.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 28 _____________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX 1 - SPELLING OF ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER NAMES
Procedure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Name Search
o Ask for the elector’s ‘surname’.
o If ‘surname’ is not recognised by the elector, search for the first name or the name the voter goes by.
o If this does not result in a match, take the given name and search for it as though it is a ‘surname’.
o If there is still a problem, ask for the elector’s ‘skin name’ – such names can be used in any circumstances and remain constant, despite possible changes in other names.
o If there is no result, ask the elector to spell out the letters or write down his or her name.
o Be alert to the many variations in spelling. Sometimes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
electors’ enrolment forms may have been filled in for them by other people, including
polling officials, who may have produced their own variation because they wrote down what
they heard.
Variations in spelling:
AMAGULA AMAGUIA, AMANGIN
BANGYARRI BUNGYARRI, BUNGUYARRI, PUNGUAYJI
BARA BARA BARA, BARAWEI, BARAWIE, BAROWAI,
BUKLUMBARA, BULUMBARRA, BARARRA
BURARRWANGA BURARRWANA, BURAWANGA
CUMAIYI COMAYI
DHAMARRANYDJI DAMARRANDJI, DHAMARANDJI,
DHAMARRANDJI, DJAMARRANYDJI
DHAMARRANYDJI DHAMARRANDJI, DHAMANYDJI, DHAMANDJI,
DHAMARADJI
DJAGARRA DJAKARRA, DJAKARA, DJARRKARLA,
DJAKURRURR
DJAKUL JAKUL
DULLA DULLAI, DULAI, DOOLA, DOOLAK
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 29 _____________________________________________________________________________________
DURILA FURILLA
GANAMBARR GANAPARRA, GARRINBA, GUNABARR
GANANGGU GANANGU, GANAGU, KANGU
GARRAWURRA GARRAWIRRA, GAWURA, GAYURA,
GURARRARR
GARRUWIWI GALIWIRRI, GARALWUY, GARRAWURRA
GURRUWIWI GURRUWIWU, GURRWIWI, GURRUWUL
JAKAMARRA JAGAMARRA, TJAKAMARRA, TJAGAMARRA,
TJAGAMARA, JAGARA, JAKARA, KEMARRE,
KARIMARRA
JAMPIJINPA JAMPIJIMPA, JAMBIJIMBA, JAMIJINBA,
TJAMPIJINPA, TJAMBIJIMBA, TJAMPITJIMPA,
TJAMBITJINBA, JTAMPATJIMPA, TJAMBATJIMBA,
JAMBINJIMBA
JANGALA UNGALA, TJANGALA, TJUNGALA, NGALE
JAPALJARRI JABALJARRI, TJAPALJARRI, TJABALJARRI,
TJAPALTJARRI, JABALYARI, JABALTJARRA
JAPANAGKA JABANANGKA, JAPANUNGKA, TJAPANANGKA,
TJABANUNGKA, PENANGKA, PENUNGKA,
JABANANGA, JABANUNGA
JAPANGARDI JABANGARDI, JAPANGARTI, JABANGARTI,
TJAPANGARDI, TJAPANGARTI, JABANARDI
JIMARR JAMARR, JIMMAR, JINMA, DJIMARR, DJOMA
JUNGARRAYI TJUNGARRAYI, JUNGURRAYI, TJUNGARAYI,
JUNGARI, JUNGARAI
JUPURRURLA JAPURRURLA, JUBURRURLA, JABURRURLA,
JUPURRULA, JUBURRULA, JAPURRULA,
JABURRULA
KERINAIUA KERINIAUA, KERINAUIA, KERINARUA
KUDURRNGU KUDORNGOR, KURNDOR, KUNDOR, KUNDU
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 30 _____________________________________________________________________________________
LARAWEI LIRRIWI
MALINGA MALINGAR, MALINGGA, MANINGA
MAMINYAAMANJA MANINYAMANGA, MAMINYAMINJA
MANAGKU MANAKGU, MANAGU
MANGGURRA MANGURRA
MARDIGAN MARDINGA, NARDINGA
MEIYAWAIDBA MEIYARAMBA, MEIYINBARA, MAIRABIARWAY,
MAWUALILA, MARYLUMAR, MARWARMBAR,
MAWILBAR
MUNUNGGURR MUNUNGURR, MUNUGGURR, MUNUYNGU,
MUNUNGGIRRITJ, MUNUNGGURRITJ
MURRUNGUN MURUNGUN
NABARLAMBARL NABALAMBAL, NABARLLAMBARR,
NABORLNABORHL, NGABALAMBAL
NAKAMARRA NAGAMARRA, KEMARRE, KARIMARRA
NAMPIJINPA NAMBIJINPA, MANPIJIMBA, NAMPITJIMPA,
NAMPITJINPA, NAMPITTIMPA, NAMBAJIMBA
NAPALJARRI NAPALTJARRI, NABALTJARRI, NABALDARI
NAPANAGKA NABANANGKA, NAPANUNGKA, PENANGKA,
NABANANGA, NAPANUNGA
NAPANGARDI NABANGARDI, NAPANGARTI, NABANARTI,
PENGARTE, PENDARDE
NAPURRURLA NABURRURLA, NAPURRULA, NABURRULA,
NAPARULA, NABARULA, NAPARULLA, NAPURLA,
NAPURA, NABRULA
NGARAWIA NARAWIA, NARRAWA, GNARAWA
NGARINGARI
NARRYARRI, NAINGIARI, NARINDJAGARI,
NGARRI
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 31 _____________________________________________________________________________________
NGURRUWUTTHUN NGURRUWUTHUN, GNURRUWUDTHUN,
NGURRUWUDNUN, NURRUWUDHUN,
NURRUWUTTHUN
NUNDHIRRIBALA NUNDIRRIBALA
NUNGALA NANGALA
NUNGARRAYI NUNGURRAYI, NUNGARAI
NUNGUMAJBARR NUNGGUMAJBAR, NUNGGUMADBAR,
NUNGUMADBARR, NGUMADBARR
TIPALOURA TIPILOURA
WANAMBI WANABI, WALAMBI, WANUMBI, WALUMBI
WUNDJAR WUNJAR
WUNUNGMURRA WUNUNGMURR, WUNUNMURRA,
WUNUNGMURRU, WUNUNMURRU
WUNUNGURRKU WURRNGUNGU
WURRAGWAGWA WURRUGWAGA, WURAGWAGWA
WURRUMARA WURRAMARA, WURRUMURRA,
WURRUMARRBA, WURRAMARRBA,
WURRUMARBA
YARROWIN YARROWON, YAUARIN
YIRRWALA YIRRAWALA
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 32 _____________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX 2 – GUIDELINES FOR REMOTE /REGIONAL ABORIGINAL COMMUNITIES
General Guidance
o Each Aboriginal community is different and unique, and while there may be some common interests, what applies in one community will not necessarily apply in another
o Aboriginal community life is greatly influenced by cultural obligations. Be aware that times of law business, deaths, funerals etc. can impact on electoral events and that plans may need to be more flexible at such times
o Be aware of the concept of “community as family” within Aboriginal communities. Relevant extended family and kinship structures need to be respected when working with Aboriginal people
o An Aboriginal person cannot generally speak about or for another person’s land, unless given permission by the traditional landowner
o Be aware that a ‘yes’ response may mean ‘yes’ or a lack of understanding, or used to hasten the end of the discussion if the person feels intimidated or uncomfortable
o Don’t be disappointed or dismissive if the outcome, or your progress, doesn’t meet your expectations
o Be aware that swear words may be part of accepted conversation.
Good practice tips
o As you are a visitor to the Aboriginal community, you should only go to places within the community where you have been invited or been given permission
o It is not appropriate to attempt to determine or question an individual’s Aboriginality
o Mimicking Aboriginal speech patterns or attempting to speak Aboriginal English will not enhance communication and is to be avoided
o Be polite and respectful at all times, and avoid sounding patronising or officious
o Use clear, uncomplicated language and avoid the use of jargon and acronyms
o Be open and clear about your role (including the legislation under which you operate), and any limitations regarding what you can and can’t do. This approach will help to avoid misunderstandings
o Offer assistance with reading and writing (if required) in a sensitive manner.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 33 _____________________________________________________________________________________
Operational guidance
o You may need to seek and gain permission to enter an Aboriginal community, and in the case of Aboriginal reserve land, you must ensure that you have an entry permit. The permits are obtained through the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage.
o It is a high priority to enlist the assistance of a local person, or someone who is familiar with and respected by the Aboriginal community, as this will aid communication. The individual should receive payment for their assistance if it is to extend beyond introductions and directions for set-up (i.e. ongoing assistance with name checking or acting as a language assistant)
o Be aware of methods of communication within the Aboriginal community. Providing information to the CEO of a community may not be sufficient to transfer information throughout the community. It may be necessary to inform the local store, school or nurse/medical centre if these are the main sources of information for people in the community
o Be aware of the many possible variations in the spelling of names. It may be necessary to search for a voter’s name using different variations
o Following a death in some communities, people may find it disrespectful to say the deceased person’s name or to refer to the deceased person. Where this occurs, different names may be used to refer to the deceased person. This practice may last for months or even years after a death
o Always ensure you Returning Officer is fully aware of your schedule and is advised of any changes or delays. It is important that another party, or individual, knows where you are going and when you are expected to return in the event of any breakdowns or misfortune
o Ensure that you have any additional equipment required to assist you in a remote location, such as a satellite phone, first aid kit and plenty of water.
o Ensure that the polling place is established at the most visible location that is frequented by locals (e.g. the local store). Make sure that you have all necessary equipment, and access to a power point (if required)
o Learn about the regional area, including any relevant issues and the language groups in the region
o Wear appropriate clothing for the climate and the task, and identification such as a name
badge and electoral blue vest.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 34 _____________________________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX 3 – MANAGING POLLING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
As a Mobile Polling Place Manager, you are responsible for ensuring the polling venue is set-up and
operated in a manner that, as far as is practicable, safeguards the wellbeing of staff, electors and
other attendees. You need to provide clear instructions regarding physical distancing and safe
hygiene practices and ensure they are followed.
A pandemic situation can be very fluid. As a result, Government public health policies and directives
can change quite quickly. Accordingly, the information below should be taken as a general guide
only. In the case of widespread community transmission or a lock-down situation is it possible that
mobile polling may be cancelled at some or all locations. Your Returning Officer will advise of any
changes.
Polling place set-up
o If the Government’s 2 sqm rule is applicable when undertaking mobile polling, you will need to
use the measuring tape provided to determine the area of any room or space being utilised for
polling. This figure will then set the maximum number of people (staff included) who can be in
that room or space at any one time (e.g. a 10m x 12m room = 120m² = a maximum of 60
people). The figure you calculate will need to be written in marker pen on the venue’s COVID
Safety Plan poster, which is to be placed at the entrance to the polling area.
o Use the tape measure and the yellow ‘physical distancing’ adhesive tape in order to space ‘X’
marks on the floor at 1.5m intervals where electors will queue while waiting to vote.
o Vote issuing tables/desks should be positioned in such a manner that staff are seated
approximately 1.5m apart. A line of the yellow ‘physical distancing’ tape should also be placed
on the floor in front of issuing point tables at 1.5m from where issuing staff will be seated.
o The cardboard ‘pizza box’ style voting screens are designed to be ‘locked’ together using the side
flaps in order to give structural strength. To allow adequate separation between electors when
they are marking their ballot papers, every second screen should be cordoned off using the
yellow ‘physical distancing’ tape. Depending on the venue layout, it is recommended that for
maximum efficiency the screens be erected in banks of 3 with the middle screen cordoned off
and a gap left between each bank of three. At some mobile polling venues several tables and
chairs can be used rather than the stand-up voting screens.
o To allow regular hygiene cleaning of the voting surface area of each screen being used by
electors, blue plastic inserts have been provided. The cardboard itself should not be wiped
down.
Mobile Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 35 _____________________________________________________________________________________
Polling Place Operations
o Every officer is to be provided with their own tube of hand sanitiser. They can retain these after
they have finished working.
o The 1 litre bottles of hand sanitiser are to be utilised at entrance/exit points. One should be
placed on a desk or small table at the point where electors arrive at the entrance door. Another
can be placed next to the ballot boxes or at the exit if a different door is being used. When
packing up at your final venue, these can be left at the venue and do not need to be returned to
your Returning Officer.
o At this election electors will be encouraged to bring their own pen or pencil, or they will be
provided with a half pencil by the Queue Controller or Issuing Officer, which they can retain once
they have marked their ballot papers. No pencils are to be left in or tied to voting screens for use
by multiple electors.
o Every MPPM has been provided with a quantity of disposable gloves and personal face masks in
case these are required for staff use. Generally, the gloves will only be needed by staff when
performing Hygiene Officer duties. The need or otherwise to use face masks will largely be
dictated by Government public health directives at the time.
o The “Premier detergent & disinfectant wipes” provided are to be used for wiping down shared
surfaces such as voting screens and issuing tables, as well as touch points like door handles. The
smaller alcohol wipes boxed with the ERS machines and tablets are to be used on keyboards and
the tablet screens. Other cleaning products such as bleach and disinfectant sprays must not be
used.
o If based in one location at a special institution, a team member should regularly perform
Hygiene Officer duties. This entails (wearing the disposable gloves provided) wiping down issuing
point tables, voting screens and other common touch points such as door handles and frames.
Each of these surfaces should be wiped down at least every 15 minutes. Hygiene Officers are
also responsible for removing and disposing of any ‘how to vote’ material or discarded pencils
from voting screens. The polling place furniture and touch points must be given a final wipe
down after voting and counting has concluded. The disinfectant wipes must be regularly
changed and not used repeatedly on more than two or three surfaces. Used wipes should be
bagged and disposed of in a rubbish bin.
o All team members have shared responsibility for monitoring physical distancing and where
necessary, politely reminding electors and other attendees to maintain the recommended 1.5m
separation while queuing to vote and upon entry into the polling place. Note: The physical
distancing rule does not apply to couples and family groups.
Any staff member who is unwell or presenting with flu-like symptoms should be sent home
immediately and a notation made on the staff list.
Polling Place Manager
Western Australian Electoral Commission 36 _____________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES
Western Australian Electoral CommissionLevel 2, 111 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 GPO Box F316 Perth WA 6841
PHONE (08) 9214 0400 or 13 63 06 EMAIL waec@waec.wa.gov.au WEBSITE www.elections.wa.gov.au FAX (08) 9226 0577
Translating & Interpreting Service (TIS)13 14 50 and then ask for (08) 9214 0400
National Relay Service (NRS)Speak & Listen number 1300 555 727 SMS Relay number 0423 677 767