Work at an election

If you are appointed to work at an election, you will be working for the Returning Officer. Read about the responsibilities of each role before applying. 

Locations of polling stations, pay rates and dates of elections will be confirmed shortly.

Available roles

Poll Clerk

Pay rate: £284.17

Responsibilities

• Set up polling booths (this will require some lifting).
• Prepare the polling station for the opening of the poll.
• Keep the polling station neat and tidy.
• Check the voter is on the register of electors and is allowed to vote.
• Ask for and check voter ID before giving a voter their ballot papers.
• Make sure voters understand the new voter ID law and what form of ID we accept.
• Make sure voters can can have their ID checked in private when asked.
• Check and mark voter electoral numbers in the register of electors and on the corresponding numbers lists.
• Make sure that voters cast their votes in secret and ballot papers are placed into the correct ballot box.
• Help voters where appropriate, including those that have physical difficulties to get into the polling station.
• Any other polling station duties that the Presiding Officer asks.
• At the close of polls, help the Presiding Officer to take down the polling station and make sure the building is returned to good order.

Presiding Officer

You must have past experience of working at the polls to be appointed as a Presiding Officer because you will have legal responsibility for the polling station.

Pay rate: £427.13

Responsibilities

• Assist, instruct, and supervise the work of the poll clerks.
• Transport the ballot box and contents to the polling station and back to the designated location.
• Work with the key holder and plan for the opening and closing of your polling station. You should also visit your polling station some time before polling day to check all arrangements are in place.
• Organise the layout of the polling station taking all voter needs into account
• Know about any access issues at the polling station
• Protect the health and safety of all staff and visitors at the polling station.
• Look after and account for all ballot papers, both issued and not issued.
• Check and mark electoral numbers in the register of electors and on the corresponding numbers lists.
• Follow all instructions to maintain the integrity and secrecy of the ballot. 
• Make sure officers are asking for and checking voter ID before issuing ballot papers.
• Help voters understand the new voter ID law including what forms of ID we accept.
• Make sure voters can present their ID in private when they ask.
• Refusing to issue a ballot paper if voters do not present ID, you do not consider the ID to be a good likeness or you think it might be fraudulent.
• Help voters where appropriate, including those that have physical difficulties to get into the polling station.
• Receive and record any postal votes delivered by hand.
• Manage the attendance of those entitled to be at the polling station such - as candidates, agents, representatives of the Electoral Commission and observers - and make sure they do not interfere with the voting process.
• Monitor the activities of tellers outside the polling place.
• Be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station and remain impartial at all times.
• Make sure the polling station is opened and closed on time.
• Complete the ballot paper account and all associated paperwork correctly and pack up documents using the Returning Officer's instructions.

• Count the number of ballot papers in a ballot box.
• Check the counting of others if needed.
• Tell the supervisor the number of ballot papers counted.
• Separate ballot papers into votes for each candidate or option and count as instructed.
• Identify any ballot papers that are suspect and bring them to the attention of the supervisor.
• Count again (recount) if necessary.
• Follow health and safety legislation at all times, taking care of yourself, colleagues and others.
• Be prepared to work until the count ends - breaks and drinks will be provided
• Be ready to sign an agreement to maintain the secrecy of the poll.

A Count Assistant cannot work for any political party or candidate at the election.

• Be available for a number of daytime sessions and work until the day session has ended.
• Count envelopes received.
• Open and check contents of ballot papers received.
• Count and record the number of ballot papers received in each batch and any missing documents.
• Any other duties as asked by the Postal Vote Team Supervisor or Manager.

What you need to do

If you are asked to work at a Polling Station, you must:

• be at the venue from 6am until 10pm on the date of the election
• attend compulsory training
• not wear any colours relating to a political party or candidate at this election.

The Returning Officer is not allowed to employ anyone who is working for or has worked on behalf of any political party or candidates at the election.

How to apply

Before you apply you will need to get confirmation from your line manager or organisation that you can be at the polling station for the days you are needed. If you are an Islington Council employee, you will not need to take leave.

• Remember to include your home address, not your work address.
• If you are an Islington Council employee, you must include your work email address.

Apply now

What happens next

We will get in contact if we appoint you. We usually receive a large number of applications so we can't contact you if we do not appoint you.

However, everyone not appointed is automatically added to the reserve list. If you have any questions please contact Electoral Services by email on: ElectionStaff@islington.gov.uk.

Do not contact us to check your application has been received as this has a huge impact on our small team. If you receive our automatic email response, we have received your application.