Poll Clerk
The role of a poll clerk is to ensure voters can cast their vote in secret and free from influence.
As a Poll Clerk you will assist the Presiding Officer with the running of the polling station. You will help set up the polling station equipment, checking electors ID, issue ballot papers, and mark the electoral register.
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 the opening of Poll.
You must not leave the polling station during polling hours. You will be required to stay after 10pm to help close the station down.
The next scheduled election is on Thursday 2 May 2024.
As a Poll Clerk you will:
- Assist the Presiding Officer and follow their instructions.
- Maintain the secrecy of the ballot.
- Ensure all voters are treated impartially, in a polite and professional manner.
Duties
Before election day you will be required to complete our online training session.
On election day you will be:
- Set up polling booths (this will require some lifting)
- Prepare the polling station for the opening of poll
- Check voters’ ID before issuing a ballot paper.
- Check and marking the voters’ electoral numbers in the register of electors and on the corresponding number lists.
- Maintaining the secrecy of the poll
- Assisting electors when required.
- Assist with the closing down of poll.
Working Hours and breaks
As a Poll Clerk you will work for approximately 16 hours on election day. You will need to bring your own refreshments and take breaks during appropriate periods throughout the day. You will not be permitted to leave the premises during polling hours.
Person Specification
Essential
- Good timekeeping
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Excellent customer care skills
- Physically able to undertake the duties of the job, including lifting of heavy equipment.
- Remain politically neutral.
- Acceptance of waiving the Working Time Directive for the period of employment.
- Must not have been convicted for an offence under Electoral Law
Desirable
- Experience of working at a polling station
- Previous customer service experience
- Use of a car (or have someone who can take you to and from your polling station).
How to Apply
To apply, please complete our online application form.
By applying, I confirm that I do not occupy any paid or appointed position within a political group, nor am I an elected member of a parish or district council. I will not take part in any political activity, on behalf of a candidate or party contesting an election I will be working on, during the period I am employed by the Returning Officer.
I consent for my details to be held by Gravesham Borough Council (on behalf of the Returning Officer) in relation to this application. I also agree that the Returning Officer and/or Gravesham Borough Council may contact me about this role and other election roles it feels may be of interest to me (we will keep your details on file unless you give us a written request to remove them)
If you have any questions about the role or how to apply, please contact the Elections team at electoral.services@gravesham.gov.uk