The polling station staff are responsible for the conduct of the ballot in each polling station, making sure that the proper procedure for voting is followed. On election day polling station staff are required to work from 6.15am until after 10pm without leaving the polling station.
Election fees
The fees for the May 2024 elections are as below:
- Presiding officer: £360 which includes £55 for satisfactorily completing all the mandatory training sessions and a fee for collecting and checking the ballot box and paperwork
- Poll clerk: £255 which includes £35 for satisfactorily completing all the mandatory training sessions
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Poll clerk job description
Main purpose of job
To assist the presiding officer in their duties and to assist with the effective and efficient running of the
polling station.
Main duties
- To assist in the organising and setting up of the polling station.
- Responsible for checking the voters ID before issuing the ballot papers.
- Responsible for checking / marking the register of electors and issuing ballot papers to those that are eligible to receive them.
- To assist the presiding officer in opening and closing of the polling station.
- To work in accordance with the legislation and regulations that are detailed in guidance notes provided in advance of the election.
- To attend and complete various training as required.
Working hours
- All elections from 6.15am (to set up) to approximately 10.30pm (to tidy up).
- The Polling Station is open 7am to 10pm
Person specification
- To be able to communicate with the public effectively face to face, some of who may be confused, distressed or aggressive.
- Must understand the value of teamwork, and own role as a team member.
- Must be able to follow instructions.
- Experience of working in a front-line service.
- Able to work unsociable hours.
- Previous experience of duties as a poll clerk, desirable but not essential.
- Is familiar with the basic requirements of personal safety.
- Must understand the need for confidentiality in areas of the job.
- Attention to detail is required.
- Must be able to commit to attend training as required.
- Ideally will have your own transport so you can get to and from the polling station and assist the Presiding Officer returning the ballot boxes to the count venue if necessary.
Presiding officer job description
Main purpose of job
Responsible for the management of your polling station. Statutory responsibility for the proper conduct and proceedings within the polling station. Responsible for complying with all instructions ensuring the integrity and secrecy of the ballot. To assign work to the poll clerk(s). Responsible for the collection and return of your ballot box and paperwork as detailed by the Returning Officer.
Working hours
- Collection and checking of ballot box and paperwork (in the few days before polling day)
- All Elections - from 6.15am - 11pm approximate.
- Polling Station is open 7am to 10pm.
Main duties
- Attend all training or briefing sessions as requested.
- To collect paperwork and ballot box and to ensure that you have everything according to the contents list.
- Responsible for the opening and closing of the polling station.
- To set up, organise and supervise the running of the polling station, and working with the Poll Clerk.
- Responsible for issuing ballot papers and ensuring that the official mark is on all papers and that all issued papers are deposited into the ballot box for counting.
- Complete various statutory paperwork during the day and at the close of poll.
- Supervise poll clerk(s) and ensure they understand any new requirements that may have come into force in recent years.
- To apply the statutory procedures.
- To deliver the ballot box(es) and packages to the required location at the close of poll.
- To ensure that the paperwork is completed and returned in the manner required.
- Deal with electors, candidates, agents and members of the public in a helpful, polite and professional manner.
Person specification
- To have some supervisory skills and be able to communicate effectively to other members of the team.
- Have use of a car and be insured for business use.
- To be able to communicate with the public, some of who may be confused, distressed or aggressive.
- To exercise tact and discretion when dealing with members of the public in difficult situations.
- Must understand the value of teamwork, and own role as a team member.
- Experience of working in a front-line service.
- Able to work unsociable hours.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Able to work under pressure where attention to detail and absolute accuracy is essential.
- Able to present and discuss information in a confident and customer friendly manner.
- To have previous experience as a poll clerk.
- Must be able to attend a training / briefing session and follow instructions with respect to election materials and procedures.
- Is familiar with the basic requirements of personal safety.
Individuals who are interested in working at future elections should register their interest by completing the online form below: