Counting staff are those who are employed to verify and count the number of votes cast. Ballot boxes are usually verified on the Thursday evening after the close of poll. Arrival at the venue is from approximately 9.30pm for a briefing, until the early hours of the following morning, until the count has concluded. However some elections such as the Police and Crime Commissioner elections verify and count between the Friday and Monday after polling day. Details are specified at each election.
Election fees
The fees from the May 2024 elections are as below:
- Count assistant: £15 an hour.
- Count supervisor: £20.50 an hour.
Count / Verification assistant job description
Main purpose of job
To verify and / or count the ballot papers after close of poll, depending on the job appointed to.
Working hours
The following are only estimates as the count duration can vary. You will be required to remain at the count until directed to leave by the Returning Officer.
- If counting from the close of poll - 9.30pm until finished (approximately 5am).
- If counting on a day after the close of poll - 10am until finished (approximately 4pm).
Main duties
- Sort and count ballot papers quickly but accurately whilst under pressure and under close supervision by candidates and agents.
- Work as part of a team.
- Re-count ballot papers as required.
- Work subject to the Secrecy Requirements.
- Assist with the clearing up after the count as finished.
Person specification
- Requires good numeric skills, along with visual accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to follow instructions accurately.
- Ability to handle and count large volumes of confidential papers.
- Able to work unsociable hours.
- Able to work under pressure.
- Flexible approach to duties and working hours – it is not possible to leave before the count has finished so you must ensure that you allow for a possible overrun.
- Ability to remain politically neutral.
Count / Verification supervisor job description
Main purpose of job
To ensure an efficient and accurate verification and / or count of the ballot papers, by their team, takes place after close of poll, depending on the job appointed to.
Working hours
The following are only estimates as the count duration can vary. You will be required to remain at the count until directed to leave by the Returning Officer.
- If counting from the close of poll - 9.15pm until finished (approximately 6am).
- If counting on a day after the close of poll - 9.30am until finished (approximately 4pm).
Main duties
The verification / count supervisor will be responsible for a team of varying size as designated by the Returning Officer.
They will:
Verification
- Allocate contents of ballot box to Count Assistants.
- Supervise the counting of the number of ballot papers.
- Agree figures with Verification Hall Top Table.
- Supervise re-counting of the contents if required.
Count
- Allocate contents of ballot box to Count Assistants.
- Supervise the division of ballot papers into votes for individual candidates and counting them using the method designated by the Returning Officer.
- Advise figures to the Count Hall Top Table .
- Re-count if required.
General
- Work as part of a team.
- Work subject to the Secrecy Requirements.
- Assist with the clearing up after the count as required.
Person specification
- Requires good numeric skills, along with visual accuracy and attention to detail.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to explain procedures.
- Ability to handle and count large volumes of confidential papers.
- Able to work unsociable hours.
- Able to work under pressure.
- Ability to work in a methodical and tidy manner.
- Flexible approach to duties and working hours – it is not possible to leave before the count has finished so you must ensure that you allow for a possible overrun.
- Ability to remain politically neutral.
Individuals who are interested in working at future elections should register their interest by completing the online form below: