At each election we have polling stations based all over the city and our polling staff are responsible for making sure everyone who is entitled to vote is able to.
We need experienced and new staff to work in these polling stations, all day on election day. Staff are needed from around 6.30am - 10.30pm as they are required to be on shift during the whole of polling day.
Working in a polling station is not subject to the European Working Time Directive and due to this there is no guaranteed breaks during the day, and staff are not permitted to leave the station during the day. Staff are required to bring food and drink for the duration of their shift.
Presiding officers are responsible for the management of the polling station and supervision of the work carried out by the poll clerks.
Job decription
Purpose
To manage and oversee all aspects of the poll in the polling station they have responsibility for, ensuring their poll clerks comply with all instructions issued by the returning officer.
Principal duties:
- Comply with any instructions from the returning officer
- To take charge of a 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
- Where applicable, attend training sessions and briefings provided by the electoral services office
- Liaise with the contact person for their designated polling station before election day to confirm arrangements for key collection/opening and closing the building
- Visit polling station venue in advance to plan set up for polling day
- In a multiple polling station, make contact with other presiding officer(s)
- Make contact with poll clerk(s) to check travel arrangements to and from polling station
- Collect, and check, the ballot box and contents before the poll and keep secure
Duties on election day:
- Transport the ballot box and contents to the polling station
- Erect the polling booths - this involves some lifting
- Organise the layout of the polling station taking all voter needs into account
- Be aware of access issues at the polling station
- Be responsible for health and safety at the polling station for all staff and visitors
- Ensure the polling station is opened on time
- Ensure that all signs and instructions are clear, visible and remain in place
- Keep the polling station neat and tidy
- Instruct and supervise the work of the poll clerk(s)
- Account for, and be responsible for, all ballot papers, issued and unissued
- Check and mark the electors’ electoral numbers in the register of electors and on the corresponding numbers lists
- Issue ballot papers to voters
- Ensure that voters cast their votes in secret and put them into the (correct) ballot box
- Provide assistance to voters where appropriate
- Receive postal votes delivered by hand
- Manage the attendance of those entitled to be present in the polling station, eg candidates, agents, representatives of the Electoral Commission and observers, and ensure they do not interfere with the voting process
- Be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station and remain impartial at all times
- Monitor the activities of tellers outside polling places
At close of poll:
- Ensure the polling station is closed on time
- Supervise the dismantling of the polling station and ensure the building is returned to good order
- Complete the ballot paper account and associated paperwork and pack in accordance with instructions given by the Returning Officer
- Deliver the ballot box and associated paperwork to the count location as designated
Training
Online training must be completed prior to election day.
Hours
6.15am – 10.30pm
Rate of pay
£293.25 flat fee + £42.50 in person training fee + £10 mileage + £34.50 for visiting the polling station in advance.
Total rate of pay £380.25.
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