To the OIC

Well done, you, OIC, for taking it on. Can not happen any other way.

I have been "Presiding Officer", and "OIC"; nowadays it looks like Polling Places are run by the "Supervisor". (I was also Returning Officer for State District of Tamworth.)

Opening/closing your venue? Remember to take a torch.

Are the issuing officers getting it right?

All staff in turn need opportunity to eat and drink and "comfort stops". You will be watching for opportunity during lower traffic moments. You might step in briefly and look after a position. Some issuing point(s) may be temporarily closed.

Excessive voter ballot paper folding equals corresponding delay for you after 6 pm. Can voters be encouraged to fold less? Is the Upper House slot wide enough lengthways?

Staff likely value some variety in the day. Has the person studied the instructions and feel able to take a turn in quieter periods? (Probably then needs a friendly eye for a bit.)

Preparation for count: From 5:30 - 5:45 pm - can some of the screens be knocked down for collection? Can one or more issuing point start preparing for ballot paper accounting? Are all issuing points aware of the need for the "unused" numbers?

Got a queue with people still waiting at 6 pm? They get to vote, don't they? No one joins the line after 6 pm.  Your instructions tell you what to do.

All staff have cast their own votes?

Do staff know the role of the scrutineers?

Balanced figures required - means all Upper House ballot papers need to be unfolded and flat to find any "wandered" Lower House ballot papers. You might rough sort them during the unfolding. (Even with alert Ballot Box Guards, mixing happens. As do losses and substitutions.)

Best of luck to you, and the team. I hope you get a reasonably early night. You did your best for us. 

Yours sincerely

Allen Hampton

Coburg

achamptonmob@gmail.com

Image: Courtesy AEC website.