Working at a polling station
At each election we need to provide staff at the numerous polling stations around North Warwickshire. Polling staff are responsible for making sure everyone who is entitled to vote is able to, without facing barriers or undue influence.
We need experienced and new staff to work in these polling stations on election day - from 6:30am until 10:30pm. Each polling station has at least two people allocated to it, with larger stations having more staff.
Working on a polling station is not subject to the European Working Time Directive and due to this there is no guaranteed breaks during the day, and staff are not permitted to leave the station during the day.
Staff are required to bring food and drink for the duration of their shift.
Training is online and a face to face briefing for some senior staff.
Presiding officers
Presiding officers are responsible for conduct in their polling station and must have a good knowledge of voting procedures. They would have normally worked as a poll clerk before and will be responsible for complying with all instructions and ensuring the integrity and secrecy of the ballot. Presiding officers assign work to the poll clerk, ensuring the accuracy of the poll and account for all of the ballot papers. They are also responsible for collecting and delivering the ballot box to the polling station and then to the count venue. They may also have the responsibility for ensuring their polling station is open and closed on the day.
Presiding officers will:
- have overall responsibility for their allocated polling station and must comply with the law and instructions of the returning officer to ensure the polling station is run correctly
- need to use a smartphone/tablet to provide updates to the electoral services team throughout the day and also attend training before polling day
- be responsible for contacting poll clerks the week before polling day to make sure they are aware of their duties and where to go on polling day.
Poll clerks
Poll clerks assist the presiding officer to run a polling station. The role includes:
- helping to set up the polling station equipment
- assist in the issue of ballot papers to members of the public
- mark the electoral register
- assist in the accurate completion of paperwork.
If you're allocated to a polling station, poll clerks will need to complete online training before polling day. The presiding officer for that station will contact you and talk through the arrangements for the day.