We're currently recruiting temporary election staff to work as poll clerks and count assistants at local and national elections.
All election staff receive full training before polling day.
Poll clerks work with a polling station presiding officer to ensure voting follows proper procedure.
On election day, poll clerks work from 6.30am to 10.30pm without leaving the polling station. Duties include lifting and moving equipment, including polling booths and tables.
Poll clerks need to be literate, numerate and able to work calmly under pressure. Clerks should also have the use of a car.
Payment for poll clerks changes from election to election, but successful applicants receive additional payment for training.
Our count assistants verify and count the votes cast at an election.
Count assistants need to arrive at the count venue at 9.30pm on the day of an election and work until the results have been declared.
Payment for count assistants changes from election to election.
Before completing our online application form, please note:
Apply to work at the elections
Poll clerks assist the Presiding Officer in the conduct of the ballot in the polling stations.
To assist the Presiding Officer in carrying out the following:
Before Election Day:
Election Day:
Assist the Presiding Officer to carry out the following:
Close of Poll:
Poll clerks work a 16-hour day, so you must provide your own refreshments and take appropriate breaks throughout the day to avoid tiredness. Polling station staff cannot leave the premises during hours of poll.
The Returning Officer cannot employ anyone who is/or has carried out duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election.
All staff will be required to sign an agreement to maintain the secrecy of the poll.
The count team opens ballot boxes and ensures the contents of the boxes agree with the ballot paper accounts before counting the votes for each election candidate.
Count assistant duties, while not difficult, require the ability to work in a pressurized environment while taking the greatest of care to ensure mistakes are not made.
Count assistants work in teams, as designated by the Returning Officer.
As directed by a Count Supervisor, assistants:
The length of time a count takes depends on the size and nature of the election, and whether recounts are required. You must be prepared to stay as long as it takes and may wish to bring your own food. Normally, the count takes place immediately after the close of poll. You will start working late into the evening and potentially into the early hours of the morning. You will be given adequate breaks and refreshments will be provided.
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 will be required to sign an agreement to maintain the secrecy of the poll.