Polling Clerk job description
The polling station team
The role of the 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 from 7am to 10pm. On polling day, staff are required to arrive at the polling station at 6.30am to allow sufficient time to set up in time for opening. In order to maintain the secrecy of the vote and safeguard the integrity of the process, staff must not leave the premises during polling hours.
The Poll Clerk
Poll Clerks (PCs) assist the Presiding Officer in the conduct of the ballot in the polling stations.
The Role
To assist the Presiding Officer in carrying out the following:
- complying with any instructions from the Returning Officer
- ensuring that all electors are treated impartially and with respect
- maintaining the secrecy of the ballot
Duties
Help the Presiding Officer to carry out the following:
- prepare the polling station for the opening of the poll'
- keep the polling station neat and tidy
- check and mark electors' electoral number in the register of electors
- at UK parliamentary general elections, checking Voters' photo ID
- record and enter details 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
- any other polling station duties on the instruction of the Presiding Officer
- at the close of poll, assist with administrative tasks and tidying the polling station
Conduct
The PC must act impartially at all times and be polite and professional in dealing with the voters, candidates and agents, and other entitled to be present in the polling station.
Skills, Experience and Knowledge
Polling Clerks must have the following:
- good communication skills both oral and written
- a commitment to and understanding of the principles of customer care and equal opportunities in service delivery
- the ability to complete complex paperwork
- the ability to understand and work to written guidance notes
The following knowledge and experience would be desirable:
- some knowledge of the election process
- some experience of customer focused frontline service
Training
Training will be provided and attendance is compulsory.
Payment and Tax
The fee for each election is set by the Returning Officer. Tax is deducted at source and non-tax payers would need to claim this back from HMRC at the end of the financial year.
Other information
You'll be working a 16 hour day, so you must provide your own refreshments and take appropriate breaks throughout the day to avoid tiredness. Polling staff are not permitted to leave the premises during hours of poll.
Important Note:
The Returning Officer is not permitted to employ anyone who is/or has carried out duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election.
All staff who are appointed will be required to aid in maintaining the secrecy of the poll.
Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006
Under the terms of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, only individuals who have a right to work in the United Kingdom are eligible for public appointments, including appointments made by the Returning Officer for elections. Staff who are offered an appointment will be asked to provide proof of eligibility.
Data Protection
The information which you provide will be processed by the Returning Officer, which is the 'data controller' for the purposes of Data Protection legislation and will only be used in relation to the proper management of the election process and in the administration of election staff. Information will be shared with our payroll service and, if you are required to work at any election, with HM Revenues & Customs for the purposes of payment and collection of taxes.
