Elections job vacancies

Working for Elections

If you're interested in applying for future election roles, please read the important information below before submitting your online application.

Applying will add you to our database, and we'll contact you about specific roles as they become available. Please note that being on our database doesn't guarantee a job offer.

Important Information for applicants:

• Payment and Tax (PAYE): All election roles are paid on a Pay As You Earn (PAYE) basis. Tax may be deducted from your earnings. If you are not typically a taxpayer, you will be responsible for reclaiming any tax from HMRC.
• Benefits and Pensions: Any work you undertake may affect your state pension or other benefits. You are responsible for informing your pension or benefit provider about your earnings. You are also responsible for informing HMRC about your earnings for tax purposes.
• Right to Work: You must be able to provide proof of your entitlement to work in the UK.
• Political Neutrality: You cannot be employed if you have carried out any duties on behalf of any political party or candidate,this includes signing nomination papers for any political party or candidate, and you must not wear any political colours while working. You must carry out your duties without expressing any political view, this includes posts on any social media platform. Should we become aware of any such posts, we reserve the right to immediately terminate your employment

Available Election Roles

We have various roles available to support the smooth running of elections (job descriptions below).

To express your interest, please complete our online application form. If you wish to apply for multiple roles, please submit a separate application for each.

Please note: Job descriptions are indicative and may be subject to change. For any questions, or if you require recruitment process adjustments under the Equality Act 2010, please contact the Elections Team.

Apply online

Poll Clerks

Poll Clerks work under the direction of the Presiding Officer, who is an important interface between the public and the Returning Officer. They assist with keeping the polling station clean and tidy, answer electors questions and hand out ballot papers.

Poll Clerk job description

The role of polling station staff is to ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere. Polling stations are open 7am to 10pm. Staff are required to arrive at the polling station at 6am to set up the equipment and are not permitted to leave the premises during hours of poll. Staff are required to work a 16 hour day, and must provide their own refreshments and take appropriate breaks throughout the day.

Job Purpose

To assist the Presiding Officer in the conduct of the ballot in the polling station.

The Role

• Assist the Presiding Officer
• Comply with instructions from the Returning Officer and their staff
• Ensure all electors are treated impartially and with respect
• Maintain the secrecy and security of the ballot.

Principal duties and responsibilities

Before polling day

• provide electoral services with payment details, proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
• Attend/complete training provided by the Returning Officer's staff
• Liaise with the presiding officer before polling day.

Polling Day

• Help erect polling booths - this will involve some lifting
• Assist with the set up and layout of the polling station in preparation for the opening of the polling station at 7am
• Keep the polling station neat and tidy at all times
• Using our polling management app on provided tablet device
• Check the voter is on the register of electors and eligible to vote
• Ask for and check voter identification before issuing ballot papers
• Ensure voters understand the Voter ID requirements including what constitutes an acceptable form of ID
• Ensure voters are able to present their ID in private if requested
• Using the modern polling app on the issued tablet device, ensure you follow the correct procedures for marking the electoral register, checking ID and issuing ballot paper(s)
• Assist the Presiding Officer in ensuring that voters cast their votes in secret and put them into the (correct) ballot box(es)
• Support disabled voters using any special equipment or devices
• Ensure that all voters are treated with respect and receive the same experience wherever they are and whatever time they vote
• Answer voters' queries in an impartial, helpful, friendly and professional manner
• Carry out any other polling duties as requested by the presiding officer - this may include 'meeting and greeting' voters at the entrance of the polling station.

Close of Poll

• Help dismantle the polling station and ensure the building is returned in a neat and secure state
• Assist the Presiding Officer with the necessary close of poll procedures, if requested
• Leave the polling station once the presiding officer advises you to do so.

Additional Information

• You cannot be employed if you have carried out any duties on behalf of any political party or candidate
• You must not wear any colours relating to any political party.

Person Specification

Essential criteria

• Ability to carry out work as instructed, even under pressure
• Fully literate and numerate with excellent attention to detail
• Competent use of electronic tablet devices
• A team player with a flexible attitude
• Good timekeeping and able to travel to the polling station at the required times
• Diplomacy and tact when working with members of the public.
• Ability to remain politically neutral.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working at a polling station
• A basic understanding of the electoral process
• Be physically fit in order to lift and carry heavy polling station equipment.

Presiding Officers

Presiding Officers are experienced polling station staff with a comprehensive knowledge of the voting process and electoral law. They must be able to manage a small team of poll clerks, ensure that people with additional needs can cast their vote, liaise appropriately with tellers, party agents and polling station inspectors and maintain the secrecy of the ballot. 

Presiding Officer job description

The role of polling station staff is to ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere. Polling stations are open 7am to 10pm. Staff are required to arrive at the polling station at 6am to set up the equipment and are not permitted to leave the premises during hours of poll. Staff are required to work a 16 hour day, and must provide their own refreshments and take appropriate breaks throughout the day.

Job purpose

Responsible for the conduct of the ballot in the polling station and the management of polling staff.

The Role

• Comply with instructions from the Returning Officer and their staff
• Ensure the accurate delivery of the poll and account for all ballot papers
• Take charge of the polling station
• Supervise the poll clerk(s)
• Ensure all electors are treated impartially and with respect
• Maintain the secrecy and security of the ballot.

Principle duties and responsibilities

Before polling day

• Provide electoral services with payment details, proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
• Attend training session(s) or complete online training and attend a briefing session provided by the Returning Officer's staff
• Liaise with contact person/key holder for designated polling station well before polling day to confirm arrangements for opening/closing the building
• Visit your polling station in advance to ensure polling day arrangements are in place
• Make contact with your poll clerks, at least a week before, to check they know the location of the polling station and to make arrangements for the day, including arrival time, food etc
• Ensure you have access to a car which is safe and legal to be on the road, and properly licensed and insured for business purposes
• Collect your ballot box(es) and equipment before polling day at your allotted day/time slot and keep it secure.

Polling Day

• Transport ballot box and equipment to assigned polling station
• Erect polling booths - this will involve 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 that polling station is opened on time (7am)
• Ensure that all signs and instructions are clear, visible and remain in place
• Keep the polling station neat and tidy
• Assign and supervise the work of the poll clerk(s), they are logged onto the Polling Station Management tablet and ensure that the correct procedure for voting is always followed
• Account for, and be responsible for, all issued and un-used ballot papers
• Ensure that voter identification is asked for and checked before ballot papers are issued
• Ensure voters understand the voter identification requirements including what constitutes an acceptable form of ID
• Ensure voters can present their ID in private when requested
• Be responsible for refusing a voter a ballot paper where no ID is presented, or you do not consider the ID to be a good likeness or consider it to be a forgery
• Ensure that voters cast their votes in secret and put them into the (correct) ballot box(es)
• Support disabled voters using any special equipment or devices
• Provide assistance to voters where appropriate
• Receive postal voters delivered by hand ensuring the correct form is completed and recorded as per instructions
• Manage the attendance of those entitled to be present in the polling station, e.g. candidates, agents, representatives of the Electoral Commission and observers and ensure they do not interfere with the voting process
• Be helpful, 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.

Close of Poll

• Ensure the polling station is closed on time (10pm) having allowed all those in a queue at 10pm to cast their vote
• Supervise the dismantling of the polling station and ensure the building is returned in a neat and secure state
• Accurately complete and submit the ballot paper account, complete all other paperwork
• Pack up documents in accordance with instructions given by the Returning Officer
• Allow the poll clerks to leave, when you do
• Deliver the sealed ballot box(es) and all other equipment, paperwork and documents to the location as designated by the Returning Officer, promptly after the close of poll.

Additional Information

• You will be visited by a polling station inspector to ensure that the polling station is open and being operated efficiently
• You cannot be employed if you have carried out any duties on behalf of any political party or candidate
• You must not wear any colours relating to any political party.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Experience of having worked as a poll clerk on at least two occasions
• Ability to work independently under pressure
• Ability to effectively engage with others
• Excellent literacy/numeracy skills and ability to use a tablet device.
• Be physically fit in order to lift and convey ballot boxes and other heavy polling station equipment.

Desirable

• Previous customer service experience
• Previous supervisory experience
• Knowledge of the electoral process

Postal Vote Assistants

Postal Vote Assistants are responsible for the secure opening, checking, and counting of returned postal ballot papers.

Postal vote opening assistant job description

Postal votes

Teams of assistants are employed over a number of full/half day sessions leading up to the election. Sessions may be extended or curtailed subject to the requirements of the service.

You must provide your own refreshments (including lunch)

Priority will be given to applicants who are available to work at all, or most of the sessions.

Job purpose

To open, check and count returned postal votes in a secure manner (votes for candidates are notcounted as part of this process and ballot papers are kept face down throughout.)

The role

The role of a postal vote opened assistant is not difficult, but the greatest of care has to be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made. They must:

• Provide Electoral Services with payment details and proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK
• Attend training if required
• Have read and agreed the secrecy requirements
• Act impartially at all times and respect confidentiality of material handled
• Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates or agents.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• Count envelopes received
• Open and check contents of envelopes
• Count ballot papers received
• Work quickly and accurately
• Follow instructions from your postal vote opening supervisor
• Assist with clearing up after completion of the opening
• Carry our any other postal vote opening duties as required

Additional Information

• You cannot be employed if you have carried out any duties on behalf of any political party or candidate
• You must not wear any colours relating to any political party.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Fully literate and numerate
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Punctual and reliable
• Ability to carry out work as instructed and clear under pressure
• Not connected to, nor will assist any candidate or party at the election.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of postal vote procedures
• Good team player.

Count Staff

Once voting is over ballot papers are taken to the Count venue, where they are checked, sorted and counted, by hand. Election Counts may start at 10pm in the evening, others on weekdays or on a Saturday or Sunday. Count staff must be able to quickly and accurately sort and count ballot papers, working under the direction of a Count Team Leader.

Count Assistant job description

The Count

The length of time the count takes will depend on the size and nature of the election and whether re-counts are required. You must be prepared to stay as long as it takes. If the count takes place immediately after the close of poll, you will start work late in the night and into the early hours of the morning (or later) until finished. Some counts take place during the following day of the election.

Job Purpose

To open ballot boxes, count the number of ballot papers (ensuring the numbers agree with the ballot paper accounts) and then sort and count the votes for each candidate/party in the election.

The Role

The role of a count assistant is not difficult, but duties are undertaken in a pressurised environment and the greatest of care must be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made. They must:

• Provide electoral services with payment details, proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.
• Attending training if required.
• Have read and agreed the secrecy requirements
• Act impartially at all times and respect confidentiality of materials
• Dress appropriately in neutral colours
• Undertake work in unsociable hours
• Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates, agents, councillors or guests.

Principal duties and responsibilities

• Work as part of team following instructions given from the supervisor
• Count the number of ballot papers in a ballot box (re-count if required)
• Sort ballot papers into votes for individual candidates/parties and count using the method designated by the Returning Officer (and re-count if required)
• Check the counting of others, as required
• Complete the paperwork accurately
• Draw the supervisors attending to any doubtful votes, as required
• Remain at the count centre until all voters are counted
• Help clear up the equipment, paperwork etc as instructed at the end of the count.

Additional Information

• You cannot be employed if you have carried out any duties on behalf of any political party or candidate
• You must not wear any colours relating to any political party.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Fully literate and numerate
• Ability to handle and count large volumes of ballot papers as instructed, accurately and under pressure
• Ability to work as team member
• Punctual and reliable

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience as a count assistant.