Poll Clerk Job Description
The role of polling station staff is to ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret and free from influence.
As Poll Clerk you will assist the Presiding Officer to run a polling station. You will help to set up polling station equipment, assist in the issue of ballot papers to members of the public, mark the electoral register and assist in the accurate completion of paperwork.
Polling Stations are open from 7am until 10pm. On polling day, staff are required to arrive at their polling station by 6.30am to set it up in time for opening and must not leave the premises during polling hours. You will be required to stay after 10pm to help close the station down.
The next elections are being held on Thursday 2 May 2024.
As a Poll Clerk you will:
- assist the Presiding Officer and follow any instructions given
- ensure that all people who come to vote are treated impartially, with respect and in a helpful, polite and professional manner
- maintain the secrecy of the ballot
Duties
Before election day
- Poll Clerks are required to attend training
On election day
A Poll Clerk is required to help the Presiding Officer to:
- set up polling booths (this will require some lifting)
- prepare the polling station for the opening of poll
- keep the polling station neat and tidy
- check and mark voters' electoral numbers in the register of electors and on the corresponding numbers lists
- check voters’ ID before issuing ballot papers
- 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, including helping those that have physical difficulties in accessing the Polling Station
- undertake any other polling station duties on the instruction of the Presiding Officer
- at the close of poll, the Poll Clerk is required to help the Presiding Officer to dismantle the polling station and ensure the building is returned to good order
- comply with requirements for secrecy and instructions regarding the use of social media
Working hours and breaks
A Poll Clerk will work for approximately 16 hours on election day. You will be required to provide your own refreshments and take appropriate breaks throughout the day to avoid tiredness. Polling station staff are not permitted to leave the premises during the hours of poll.
If you work on the election as a poll clerk or presiding officer, by law you cannot carry out any duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election, including the subscription of nomination papers. All staff will be required confirm their agreement to this and that they will maintain the secrecy of the poll.
Person specification
Essential
- literate and numerate
- good timekeeping
- ability to carry out work as instructed, even under pressure
- excellent customer care skills
- physically able to undertake the duties of the task(s), for example, lifting and carrying of equipment and setting up of the polling station
- ability to treat people fairly and with respect at all times
- ability to remain politically neutral
- acceptance of waiving the Working Time Directive for the period of employment
- not connected to, nor will assist, any political party or candidate at the election
- must not have been convicted of an offence under Electoral Law
Desirable
- experience of working at a polling station
- previous customer-service experience
- diplomacy and tact when working with members of the public
This is not a comprehensive list and is subject to change.
How to apply
To apply, please complete our online application form.
If you have any questions about the roles or how to apply, please contact the Elections team by email to elections@tunbridgewells.gov.uk