Apply to work at Elections and the Annual Canvass

Are you interested in helping us run local and national elections?

Each year we appoint hundreds of casual staff at election time to make sure that the process is run smoothly, in an open and transparent way.

We are also looking to recruit casual staff to assist us with the annual canvass each autumn.

Read more about the different roles available below.

Polling staff

Polling staff are responsible for the conduct of the election in each polling station, making sure that the proper procedure for voting is followed.

On election days, normally the first Thursday of May, polling staff are required to work at any polling station in the borough from 6am until 10:30pm, without leaving the polling station. They are also required to undertake online training provided by the Returning Officer. 

Job description: Poll Clerk
Count staff

Count staff are responsible for counting the votes. This will normally take place at Donyngs Leisure Centre, Linkfield Lane, Redhill, RH1 1DP from 9am until 5pm on the Friday following the election. However the timing of the count may vary depending on the type of election and staff may be required to finish earlier or later depending on when the election results are declared.

Job description: Count Assistant
Canvassers Each autumn, canvassers are appointed by the Electoral Registration Officer to visit properties where the occupants have not returned their annual canvass form. This is to ensure that all eligible residents are registered, and that those who are no longer eligible for inclusion on the register are removed.

Eligibility

  • You must be at least 18 years of age to work in a polling station or as a counting assistant.
  • If you are not currently employed by Reigate and Banstead Borough Council you will need to provide your National Insurance number, and proof of Right to Work in the UK.
  • If you are registered unemployed, you are advised to consult your local unemployment benefits office before you accept any offer of employment, we may make you.
  • Polling and count staff must not work on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign, nor be related to a prospective candidate.
  • Polling staff must have access to an email account and a PC, laptop or smartphone, as information and training will be delivered online.

Register an interest

Please note that all jobs for the general election on Thursday 4 July 2024 have been filled.

If you are interested in applying for any of the casual positions above, please complete and return the expression of interest form. Should we have a suitable requirement we will contact you regarding your availability in due course.

If you've worked for the Reigate & Banstead election team within the last three years you don't need to complete an expression of interest form. Keep an eye on your online staffing account as that's where we'll be sending offers of casual work for your review.