Using the ECSA employment portal

How do I register my interest to work in an election?


You will need to complete a registration of interest (ROI) in the ECSA employment portal. Alternatively, copy and paste the URL https://candidate.aurion.cloud/ecsa/production/ into the address bar of your web browser.

Your registration must be finalised before you can be considered for employment.

Note: after creating your ROI, the URL will change and the portal can only be accessed via https://erm.aurion.cloud/ecsa/production/personnel/login 

I don't have access to a computer. How can I access the employment portal?

The employment portal can be accessed using a smartphone or tablet device running iOS or Android operating systems. 

What is my username?

Your username for the employment portal is the email address you used when you created your ROI. 

What if I can't remember my password?

Resetting your password when completing your ROI.

Click the following link https://candidate.aurion.cloud/ecsa/production/signin or cut and past the URL into the address bar of your web browser. 

Click ‘forgot password?’ enter your username (case sensitive) and you will receive an email with a new verification code. 

Resetting your password once you are registered

Click the following link https://erm.aurion.cloud/ecsa/production/personnel/login or cut and past the URL into the address bar of your web browser.

Click ‘forgot password?’ enter your username (case sensitive) and you will receive an email with a new password. 

If you don’t receive an email within 60 minutes and you have checked your junk folder, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for assistance.

How do I update my details?

Log in to the ECSA employment portal using your username and password and, from the details screen, scroll down to the relevant field you need to update, enter the required information and save.

Some personal details like banking details can be updated in the portal, however, other information like work preferences cannot. In this instance, please email the details you need to be updated to the HR team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

I haven't worked at an election before, can I still register my interest?

Yes. Prior electoral experience is not necessary as training is provided.

The Electoral Commission of SA (ECSA) offers opportunities to work at local and state government elections with positions available throughout an election period, including in the weeks before and after key events including the scrutiny and count.

If you have not completed an ROI to work at the 2022 State Election or 2022 Bragg By-election, you will need to register your interest to work at future state or local government elections using the employment portal. There are a number of positions available throughout an election period including in the weeks before and after key events such as polling day or the scrutiny and count.

It will take about 40 minutes to complete the ROI and you will be asked about your previous employment experience, skill set, diversity status and preferences for election positions and locations.

Why am I receiving emails from an ’Aurion Cloud‘ email address?

Aurion is the software provider for the ECSA employment portal. These emails are legitimate. 


Working at elections

Can I work at the election if I am in Australia on a visa?

To work at the election, you need to be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, a permanent resident of Australia or hold a current visa allowing you to work in Australia.

I am living with a disability; can I work at the election?

We value diversity and welcome applications from people living with a disability. When you complete the ROI, please advise ECSA if you need additional support or adjustments to perform the role.

Can I work at the election if I am active in political affairs?

ECSA is committed to maintaining public confidence in the integrity of the electoral system and the impartiality of its employees. Anyone who is a member of a political party, or who has engaged in any political activity during the past 3 years or intends to be politically active during their period of employment, cannot be considered for employment as a temporary election worker.

Persons engaged to work for ECSA are employed under the Electoral Act 1985 and are deemed public sector employees for the purposes of that Act. They are required to act in accordance with the Code of Ethics for the South Australian Public Sector and the Public Sector (Honesty and Accountability) Act 1995.

Failure to comply with either could be an offence and constitutes grounds for termination of temporary employment. Please read the code of conduct for electoral officers (PDF, 323KB).

I am fluent in a language other than English – do you need to know?

If you are fluent in a language other than English, please add that information in your registration of interest application. 

It is important we have employees who can communicate in other languages as there are many local communities where it is beneficial to have polling staff able to communicate with electors in their language.

My family wanted to work together at the election - can we do this?

There is a policy in place which precludes a family member from directly reporting to another family member. ECSA has determined the definition of ‘family member’ extends to:

  • Grandparent
  • Parent/stepparent
  • Spouse/domestic partner
  • Child (son/daughter)/ stepchild
  • Sibling (brother/sister)/ stepsibling
  • Grandchild
  • Uncle/Aunt
  • Nephew/Niece
  • Cousin

You are able to work with family members as long as you don’t directly report to or supervise them.

When will I know if I have been offered a position?

When bulk recruitment is undertaken you may not receive a phone call or email prior to receiving the offer of employment from noreply@ aurion.cloud. The email will prompt you to log into the ECSA employment portal to review and accept (or decline) your offer.

Please refer to the employment portal user guide below for instructions on how to review and accept (or decline) your offer.

I worked at a previous election, why haven't I been offered a position for an upcoming election?

Completing an ROI does not guarantee you will be offered a position at an election as there are numerous factors ECSA considers when offering employment. This includes the number of positions available, previous experience or work performance, location of employment and residence, and workforce diversity.

When will I need to work?

You may be required to work during business hours, weekends, and after hours for extended periods; including travelling to remote locations, depending on the position. 

The duty statement for each position will provide an indication of the required hours of work.

What if I can’t work my shift?

If you find yourself unable to work for any reason, please contact your supervisor directly or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible.

What should I wear?

ECSA does not have a specific dress code but it is requested you wear practical, appropriate clothing and present in a neat and well-groomed manner. 

Inappropriate clothing includes singlets, thongs, or t-shirts with offensive messages or images.

As you could be working long hours, which is at times physically demanding, it is suggested you wear flat, practical, and supportive footwear and consider the weather conditions and venue when choosing your clothes.

Will I receive a meal during my shift on polling day?

You will have access to drinking water at your voting centre, but food and other drinks are not supplied. Also, be aware that you might not be based near a shop or café so make sure you bring enough food and drink to last your shift.


Updating your details in the employment portal once registered

How do I update my details?

Log in to the ECSA employment portal using your username and password and, from the details screen, scroll down to the relevant field you need to update, enter the required information and save.

Some details like your bank, super and tax and residential address can be updated in the portal, however, other information like your date of birth or gender cannot. In this instance, please email the details you need to be updated to the HR team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Note: personal details including bank, super or tax cannot be entered or updated in the employment portal from 3:30 pm Tuesday through to 1:00 pm Thursday, due to payroll processing. 

Pay enquiries

What will I be paid?

If you work in the weeks prior to or after key election events, you will be paid an hourly rate (including 25% casual loading) based on your role for the hours you worked and any compulsory training. 

On weekdays (that are not public holidays) overtime may be paid when you work more than 7.5 hours in one day or where you start before 7:30 am or finish after 9:00 pm. 

Overtime applies to the hours you work over the 7.5 hours, start before 7:30 am or finish after 9:00 pm only. It does not apply to your whole shift. 

Note: Casual loading is paid in lieu of paid leave and will not be paid on any hours where overtime is paid.

If you work on polling day, you will receive a remuneration package based on your role which will cover the hours you work, compulsory training and allowances (if any).

Remuneration packages and hourly rates are outlined in the ECSA Determination of Employment Terms and Conditions for Temporary Staff (PDF, 413KB) appointed under the Electoral Act 1985.

When will I be paid?

Casual election workers are paid on Fridays following the week they worked.

If you work in the weeks prior to or after key election events, you will need to record your hours either manually or electronically, as advised by your supervisor.

If completing your timesheet electronically, you need to enter your hours using the ECSA employment portal, validate the timesheet and submit it to your supervisor for approval. 

It is recommended you complete your timesheet at the end of every shift and submit it to your supervisor at the end of your last shift for the week. This will allow your supervisor to review and approve your timesheet before the Tuesday 3:30 pm payroll cut-off. 

If your timesheet is not approved by the payroll deadline, regardless of the reason, your timesheet will not be processed until the following payroll period.

Note: no changes, including validating or approving timesheets, can be made in the employment portal from 3:30 pm Tuesday through to 1:00 pm Thursday, due to payroll processing.

If you work at key events including polling day or during the scrutiny and count, you will sign a manual timesheet where you record your start and finish times and any breaks you take.

Will I have to pay tax?

Yes. This is not a tax-free role and the exact amount of tax withheld will depend on your individual circumstances.

  • To claim the general exemption (if you are eligible or wish to claim the tax-free threshold), click the radio button to turn the field green.
  • For information on claiming the tax-free threshold, please refer to the TFN declaration form on the ATO website.
  • To determine the amount of tax withheld by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), refer to the weekly tax table on the ATO website.
  • If you are a senior Australian, you may be eligible for the seniors and pensioners tax offset (SAPTO) which can reduce the amount of income tax you pay. Refer to the ATO seniors and pensioners tax offset for more information.
  • To advise of a study and training support loan (STSL), click on the radio button to turn the field green.
Why was I taxed so much when I worked at a recent election?

There are 2 possible reasons for being taxed at a higher rate: 

  • You did not tick the ‘claim general exemption’ box. If you are eligible to claim the tax-free threshold, log in to the ECSA employment portal, go to the ‘bank, tax and superannuation details’ section and click on the radio button, then click save.
    You may claim the tax-free threshold from only one employer unless your total income from all sources for the financial year will be less than the tax-free threshold. For information on claiming the tax-free threshold from ESCA, please refer to the ATO website
  • You forgot to enter your tax file number (TFN). Log in to the ECSA employment portal, go to the ‘bank, tax and superannuation details’ section and enter your TFN in the required format, then click save.
    To determine the amount of tax withheld by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) refer to the weekly tax table on the ATO website

Note: ECSA is not able to make any tax adjustments once your pay is processed, including the amount of tax you paid. You will need to submit a tax return at the end of the financial year and the ATO will determine if you are entitled to a tax refund based on your individual circumstances.

What if I don’t have a Tax File Number (TFN). Do I need one to work at the election?

If you don’t have a TFN, contact the ATO on 1800 467 033 to apply for one (this can take approximately 3-4 weeks) or to reactivate a TFN you have used previously.

If you do not provide a TFN, you will be taxed at the highest tax rate.

What if I don’t have a superannuation fund and I don’t want to start a new one. Can super be paid straight into my bank account?

ECSA is legally required to pay super to anyone who earns $450.00 or more in a calendar month and it must be paid into a superannuation fund.

If you do not provide fund details or if you do not have an existing superannuation fund, your contribution will be sent to the default fund, Super SA.

If you wish to nominate your ATO registered self-managed super fund (SMSF) you will need to email the details of the fund, including the fund ABN, fund BSB and account number and ESA (electronic service address) to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Where can I find my pay advice?

After you have been paid, log in to the employment portal and your pay advice(s) will be listed under ‘Pay Advices’ on the ‘my details’ page in the portal. 

Click on the pay advice line you wish to open and it will download as a PDF to your device.