Working at elections

We often recruit extra staff to help us to run an election. There are a number of different roles available.

We hold a database of staff who we contact before an election. However, we always looking for enthusiastic staff to help us fill our vacancies.

Election roles

There are a variety of roles available during an election:

Polling Staff

Presiding Officer or Poll Clark

Polling staff are responsible for conducting the ballot in each polling station. They make sure the proper procedure for voting is followed.

On election day, polling staff work from 6.30am until after 10.00pm. They cannot leave the polling station during these hours.

Polling staff must also attend a training session beforehand - even if they have done the role before.

Counting and Verification Staff

Counting and Verification staff count and check the votes after the close of poll. This is at the time and place chosen by the Returning Officer.

This can go through to the early hours of the morning or during the day after the election.

Count or Verification Assistant - Job Description [37.53KB]

Postal Vote Staff

Postal vote staff are responsible for issuing and opening postal votes. This usually takes place in the day time.

Eligibility

To be able to undertake an elections role, you must be:

at least 18 years old
entitled to work in the UK (in accordance with the provisions of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996). Before starting your role, you must show us:
- your valid passport; or
- your birth certificate and proof of National Insurance Number (e.g P60, P45, payslips etc)

If you're unemployed, we suggest you contact your local benefits office before accepting an offer of employment.

Political restrictions

Elections staff must not:

work on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign
be related to a prospective candidate
sign any nomination paper for a candidate standing at an election

Working hours

Many election roles take place outside of normal working hours. You will need to consent to working in excess of working hours as stated by the Working Time Directive.

How to apply

Please read the job descriptions above.

Complete and sign the Icon for word Application of Interest Form [63KB] and return it to:

elections@fenland.gov.uk; or
Electoral Services Team, Fenland District Council, Fenland Hall, County Road, March, PE15 8NQ

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to all applications.

Appointments process

When offering a role we will consider your experience, availability and where you live.

All appointments are temporary. They are undertaken on behalf of the Returning Officer or the Electoral Registration Officer.

You will not be employed by Fenland District Council. Although we keep a database of staff, there is no guarantee of work in future elections.

We often have more applications than vacancies. If you're not initially allocated to a role, you may be added to a staffing list to fill vacancies as they arise.