Role title: Poll Clerk

Job summary

Department: Electoral Services

Employed by: Returning Officer

Reporting to:  Presiding Officer

Job Purpose:

To assist and support the Presiding Officer in all aspects of running the poll in the polling station. Maintain the secrecy of the ballot at all times.

Hours of Work: 6am to 10:30pm

Contract Type: Casual  and or Temporary

Pre-employment checks: eligibility to work within the UK, and proof of your identity. Please note that to work in an election you cannot be employed by or work on behalf of an election candidate or political party.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

1. complete all mandatory training and be familiar with the Electoral Commission handbook, and contact your Presiding Officer to confirm arrangements for the day;
2. arrive at the polling station at 6am to assist with the setup and layout of the polling station in preparation for the opening of the polling station at 7am;
3. manage the queues and guide electors to the correct place;
4. assist any disabled voters in accordance with their needs and or requests;
5. check that the elector is registered and eligible to vote at the election(s) and at that polling station;
6. check the elector’s proof of ID ensuring that the ID is an acceptable form of ID and the name matches the name on the register. Refer any issues to your Presiding Officer;
7. if requested, use a privacy screen to check the ID of electors who cover their faces for religious or other sensitive reasons. Refer any issues to your Presiding Officer;
8. ensure that only one ballot paper is removed from the ballot book for each election and issued to the elector;
9. scan and or record the ballot paper number(s) being issued to electors;
10. assist the Presiding Officer in ensuring that voters cast their vote in secret;
11. provide cover for the Presiding Officer and other poll clerks when required;
12. answer voters’ queries in an impartial, friendly and business-like manner;
13. after the close of poll, the Poll Clerk is required to help the Presiding Officer to dismantle the polling station, remove all signage and ensure the building is returned to good order, tidied and rubbish has been removed before leaving the building;
14. carry out any other polling station duties as required by the Presiding Officer.

Job Working Environment:

Site based (at an allocated Polling Station). You must consent to working during the hours of the poll which is more than the maximum working hours provided by the Working Time Directive. You must organise and or provide your own transport and must be prepared to travel to and work in any polling station in the borough. There is no guarantee that you will be placed in the same polling station as a friend or a family member. You will be entitled to short breaks as agreed with your presiding officer. You must make your own arrangements for refreshments and meals without having to leave the polling station.

Person specification - Essential Qualifications, Knowledge, Experience and Skills:

1. excellent communication skills and ability to follow strict instructions
2. excellent personal presentation and commitment to customer care
3. excellent administration and or organisational skills and attention to detail
4. team player and possess a flexible attitude
5. punctual and reliable
6. competent in the use of an electronic tablet and or smart phone