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The Chief Electoral Office is seeking 16,000 people to work on Election Day, 17 September, as part of its preparations for the 2005 General Election.

"We need thousands of Election Day staff to ensure polling places run smoothly and people can cast their votes quickly and easily," says Chief Electoral Officer David Henry.

"Every election we put the situations vacant sign out for the many people we need to help with the huge logistical task of running over 2,700 polling places and issuing over 2.7 million ballot papers to <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />New Zealand voters."

The Chief Electoral Office is looking for people who can demonstrate:

• Good communication skills and an ability to relate to people
• An awareness of, and sensitivity to, different cultural needs
• Accuracy with detail
• The ability to work effectively under pressure and to meet deadlines
• A results oriented approach with good business and customer focus
• The ability to operate in a professional and politically neutral manner.

Anyone interested in working on Election Day on 17 September 2005 must fill in the official application form.  Application packs are available from Freephone 0800 36 76 56, their local PostShop, or local Returning Officer.

The Returning Officers for the 69 electorates also set up teams of people who work before and after Election Day.  Anyone interested in these positions should contact the Returning Officer in their electorate directly.