Sign up to work at an election

Duties

• attend training and any briefing sessions, and comply with Returning Officer’s instructions
• collect ballot box and its contents two days before polling day and keep it secure
• liaise with the polling station keyholder before polling day to confirm arrangements for opening and closing the premises
• transport the ballot box and its contents to the polling station on polling day
• open and close the polling station on time
• organise the polling station layout, taking into account all voters’ needs
• be aware of access issues and familiarise yourself with any special equipment or devices to help voters with disabilities
• take charge of the polling station, ensuring the secrecy and security of the ballot
• be responsible for the health and safety of polling station staff, voters and visitors
• keep the polling station neat and tidy
• instruct and supervise Poll Clerks
• ask voters to show their photo identification and check the photo is a reasonable likeness before issuing ballot papers
• check voters’ identification is on the approved list of acceptable ID
• where applicable, check voters’ ID in a private area
• when required, refusing to give a voter a ballot paper if they do not have an acceptable form of identification
• ensure voters can cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere
• check and mark electors off in the polling station register and complete other official paperwork
• give voters ballot papers and make sure they put them into the ballot box
• help voters where appropriate, and support disabled voters to use any special equipment or devices
• deal with special voting procedures as required e.g., dealing with anonymous voters, issuing tendered ballot papers
• accept completed postal vote packs handed in at the polling station
• be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station, remaining politically impartial at all times
• maintain order in the polling station and calling for advice and help from the elections office where necessary
• manage the attendance of official observers and others entitled to be in the polling station, making sure they do not interfere with the voting process
• monitor the activities of candidate/party supporters known as ‘tellers’ outside the polling place
• account for all ballot papers issued and unissued, and complete a ballot paper account
• complete polling station paperwork throughout the day and at once the poll has closed
• once the polls have closed and all votes have been cast, supervise the dismantling of the polling station, leaving the room as you found it
• transport the ballot box to the designated drop off location

Job Description

• Presiding Officer Job Description

Duties

• comply with instructions and attend training
• help the Presiding Officer to set up the polling station, taking into account the needs of all voters, including:
• put up signs, statutory notices and voter instructions inside and outside the polling station
• setting up polling booths
• prepare the polling station for a 7am opening
• be aware of access issues and familiar with any special equipment or devices to help voters with disabilities
• maintain the secrecy of the ballot
• keep the polling station neat and tidy
• ask voters to show their photo identification and check it is a reasonable likeness before giving out a ballot paper
• refer identification checks to the Presiding Officer if you are not sure an identification is valid
• make sure voters can cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere
• check and mark electors off in the polling station register and complete other official paperwork
• give voters their ballot paper and make sure they put them into the ballot box
• help with any other polling station duties when asked to by the Presiding Officer
• be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station, remaining politically impartial at all times
• once the polls have closed and all votes have been cast, help to dismantle the polling station, leaving the premises as you found it.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• basic understanding of the voting process
• good communication skills
• commitment to customer care and equal opportunities
• good administrative skills and attention to detail
• punctual and reliable

Job Description

• Poll Clerk Job Description

Duties

• comply with instructions and, where necessary, attend training
• maintain the secrecy of the ballot
• act professionally and impartially at all times
• count ballot papers as directed by a supervisor
• re-count ballot papers if required
• when instructed, sort ballot papers for individual candidates/choices
• identify doubtful ballot papers

Skills, knowledge and experience

• numeracy skills and attention to detail
• punctual and reliable
• ability to work under pressure