An unlikely source of helpers at polling booths has emerged: gig economy workers found via Airtasker, the app that allows people to outsource work at a rate they set.
Several candidates across Sydney have used the app to bolster their presence at polling stations, including Warringah independent candidate David Spratt, whose ad said “Taskers” would be paid $100 to hand out how-to-vote cards. He didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Airtasker ads for help on election day.Credit: Airtasker
But the most prolific of them appears to be Steven Commerford, an independent candidate running in the marginal seat of Reid, who has had more than a dozen requests for help at specific polling booths across the electorate posted online.
“Friendly person to help give out flyers at polling booth!” one request for help reads. Another: “Available on Saturday to hand out flyers?”
The requests were posted by “Steve F.”, who wrote he was searching for “an army to help hand out flyers for an independent candidate on election day … You make a difference in democracy”, attached with selfies of volunteers in Commerford’s T-shirts.
$120 was offered for the day, with food and drinks provided. Most of the jobs had been filled, Airtasker reported. He didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Another ad posted by “Joel D.” requested help putting up corflutes early this morning. “Total payments will depend upon how many booths you can cover, we are looking at $40 per polling booth … the signs will not be supporting a particular party or candidate – the message will be to put the major parties last.”