Electoral Services appoints casual staff to assist in the running of elections. If you are interested in working in future elections please register your expression of interest:
Acceptance of an appointment for a Presiding Officer or Poll Clerk will require you to attend a training session:
Only individuals who have a right to work in the UK and with no political affiliations are eligible to work at elections. Election staff must not work on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign, or be related to any prospective candidate.
Presiding Officers
Presiding Officers are responsible for the conduct of the ballot in the polling stations.
The role entails:
- To comply with any instructions from the Returning Officer, Deputy Returning Officers or Visiting Officers
- To take charge of the polling station
- To ensure that all electors are treated impartially and with respect
- To maintain the secrecy of the ballot
- To supervise the Poll Clerk(s) at the polling station
Poll Clerks
Poll Clerks assist the Presiding Officer in the conduct of the ballot in the polling stations.
The role entails:
- To comply with any instructions from the Returning Officer, Deputy Returning Officers or Visiting Officers
- Ensuring that all electors are treated impartially and with respect
- Maintaining the secrecy of the ballot
Polling stations are open from 7:00am until 10:00pm. On Election day staff are required to arrive at the polling station at 6:30am to set up the equipment. Staff are not permitted to leave the premises during polling hours in order to maintain the secrecy of the ballot.
Count Assistant
The duties of a Count Assistant are undertaken in a pressurised environment and the greatest of care has to be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made.
They must:
- Have read and agree to the terms of the Statement of Secrecy
- Act impartially at all times and respect confidentiality of material handled
- Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates, agents, councillors or guests