Duties

• attend training and any briefing sessions, and comply with Returning Officer’s instructions
• collect ballot box and its contents [the day/two days] before polling day and keep it secure
• liaise with the polling station keyholder before polling day to confirm arrangements for opening and closing the premises
• transport the ballot box and its contents to the polling station on polling day
• open and close the polling station on time
• organise the polling station layout, taking into account all voters’ needs
• be aware of access issues and familiarise yourself with any special equipment or devices to help voters with disabilities
• take charge of the polling station, ensuring the secrecy and security of the ballot
• be responsible for the health and safety of polling station staff, voters and visitors
• keep the polling station neat and tidy
• instruct and supervise Poll Clerks
• ask voters to show their photo identification and check the photo is a reasonable likeness before issuing ballot papers
• check voters’ identification is on the approved list of acceptable ID
• where applicable, check voters’ ID in a private area
• when required, refusing to give a voter a ballot paper if they do not have an acceptable form of identification
• ensure voters can cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere
• check and mark electors off in the polling station register and complete other official paperwork
• give voters ballot papers and make sure they put them into the ballot box
• help voters where appropriate, and support disabled voters to use any special equipment or devices
• deal with special voting procedures as required e.g., dealing with anonymous voters, issuing tendered ballot papers
• accept completed postal vote packs handed in at the polling station
• be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station, remaining politically impartial at all times
• maintain order in the polling station and calling for advice and help from the elections office where necessary
• manage the attendance of official observers and others entitled to be in the polling station, making sure they do not interfere with the voting process
• monitor the activities of candidate/party supporters known as ‘tellers’ outside the polling place
• account for all ballot papers issued and unissued, and complete a ballot paper account
• complete polling station paperwork throughout the day and at once the poll has closed
• once the polls have closed and all votes have been cast, supervise the dismantling of the polling station, leaving the room as you found it
• transport the ballot box to the designated drop off location

Skills, knowledge and experience

• good knowledge of the voting process
• previous experience of working in a polling station [on at least two occasions]
• good communication skills and ability to explain procedures to a range of people in a calm and assertive manner
• commitment to customer care and equal opportunities
• good administrative skills and attention to detail
• punctual and reliable
• access to a vehicle to transport ballot box and equipment and ensure you have the required level of insurance to undertake the duties.

The fee for working as a presiding officer can vary between elections depending on the complexities of the poll but on average employees can expect to receive around £16.50 per hour.

• comply with instructions and attend a mandatory training session
• help the Presiding Officer to set up the polling station, taking into account the needs of all voters, including:
  • put up signs, statutory notices and voter instructions inside and outside the polling station
  • setting up polling booths
  • prepare the polling station for a 7am opening
• be aware of access issues and familiar with any special equipment or devices to help voters with disabilities
• maintain the secrecy of the ballot
• keep the polling station neat and tidy
• ask voters to show their photo identification and check it is a reasonable likeness before giving out a ballot paper
• refer identification checks to the Presiding Officer if you are not sure an identification is valid
• make sure voters can cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere
• check and mark electors off in the polling station register and complete other official paperwork
• give voters their ballot paper and make sure they put them into the ballot box
• help with any other polling station duties when asked to by the Presiding Officer
• be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station, remaining politically impartial at all times
• once the polls have closed and all votes have been cast, help to dismantle the polling station, leaving the premises as you found it.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• basic understanding of the voting process
• good communication skills
• commitment to customer care and equal opportunities
• good administrative skills and attention to detail
• punctual and reliable
• access to a vehicle and the ability to travel to the polling station as well as ensuring you have the required level of insurance to undertake the duties.

The fee for working as a poll clerk can vary between elections depending on the complexities of the poll but on average employees can expect to receive around £13.50 per hour.

• comply with instructions and, where necessary, attend training
• maintain the secrecy of the ballot
• act professionally and impartially at all times
• count ballot papers as directed by a supervisor
• re-count ballot papers if required
• when instructed, sort ballot papers for individual candidates/choices
• identify doubtful ballot papers

Skills, knowledge and experience

• numeracy skills and attention to detail
• punctual and reliable
• ability to work under pressure

The fee for working as a count assistant can vary between elections depending on the complexities of the poll but on average employees can expect to receive around £12 per hour.

Scheduled elections usually take place on the first Thursday of May. 

These polls are all run from 7am to 10pm. If you work at a polling station you need to arrive by 6:30am at the latest to have time to get everything ready.

Polling station staff are not permitted to leave the premises between 7am and 10pm. You should take enough food and drink with you for the whole day.

It is a long day, and you must be willing to work more hours than the working time directive limit. 

The votes are usually counted and results announced at night after the polls close (10pm on polling day), or the following morning.  The length of time a count takes depend on the type of election, how many people turned out to vote and whether re-counts are required. You must be prepared to stay as long as it takes.

Polling stations are located across the Monmouthshire. They appear in the towns as well as very small villages throughout the area. You should be prepared to travel anywhere in the council area and we cannot guarantee you will be asked to run a polling station closest to where you live though we will endevour to do so where we can. Staff working in polling stations will be expected to be flexible in where they are based.

The counting of the votes will take place at Chepstow Leisure Centre.

The minimum requirements are set out in Eligibility section further down this page.

If you are appointed to work at a polling station, it is important you remain politically impartial when you are working at the election. This means you cannot publicly show your support for a particular political party or candidate in any way.

If you are appointed to work at a polling station, you will need to provide evidence of your eligibility to work in the UK by showing us either:

• your valid passport, or
• your birth certificate and proof of National Insurance number (e.g., P60, P45, payslip)

We are looking for motivated, reliable and enthusiastic staff. 

To work at a polling station, you should have excellent customer service skills and attention to detail. You will need to ensure that the proper procedures for voting are followed including checking voter identification.

To work at an election count, you should have good numeracy skills.

We expect anyone working at an election to act impartially and be polite and professional in dealing with all voters, candidates and agents, Electoral Commission representatives and any accredited observers.  

For scheduled May elections, we usually employ approximately 350 temporary staff to work at polling stations and 60 for the count.

Appointments are temporary and made by the Returning Officer rather than the council. The council’s usual recruitment policies and procedures do not apply, but we follow the principles of equal opportunities and good employment practices. Anyone who is not give a role is retained on a reserve list and may be contacted closer to election day if a role becomes available.

Yes. All polling station staff must take part in a training session, usually online. More details on the training session will be provided in your appointment letter.

You will be supported by experienced staff. If you are working in a polling station you will usually be working with two or three other members of staff. If you are working at the count you will be part of a bigger team of up to six other counting assistants.

Pay rates vary depending on the role and type of poll but are including at the bottom of the job descriptions above as a guide.  Fees for attending training and travel expenses may also be paid where appropriate. 

The amounts will be confirmed before polling day and with your appointment letter.

All fees are subject to tax on a PAYE basis but are exempt from National Insurance contributions. 

Any election work you do may affect any benefit or state pension receive. You will be responsible for telling your benefit or pension provider about your earnings.