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Working at a polling station

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 and following close of poll transport the ballot box to the designated drop off location
  • 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 throughout the voting process
  • 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

Skills, knowledge and experience

  • Good knowledge of the voting process
  • Previous experience of working in a polling station 
  • 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

Duties

  • Comply with instructions and attend training
  • Help the Presiding Officer to set up the polling station, taking into account the needs of all voters, including:
    • Putting up signs, statutory notices and voter instructions inside and outside the polling station
    • Setting up polling booths
    • Preparing 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.