Job purpose

To assist and provide support to the Presiding Officer in all aspects of the poll in the polling station including administration.

Duties and responsibilities

Before polling day

You will:

  • adhere to all instructions from the Returning Officer, Elections Team and Presiding Officer
  • attend training sessions as required
  • make contact with your Presiding Officer to confirm arrangements for the day
  • if you are working as a Poll Clerk for the first time, make sure you have read through the Handbook for Polling Station Staff with regard to conducting the poll on the day
  • make sure you plan your transport to and from the polling station and have all food and drink needed for the day

Election day

On election day you will:

  • arrive at the polling station on time to help the Presiding Officer set the polling station up for the day
  • set up the polling station as directed by the Presiding Officer
  • before 7am make sure you know the process for marking the register and issuing ballot papers, as instructed by your Presiding Officer
  • write the elector number on the Corresponding Number List (CNL) against the ballot paper number to be issued
  • make sure that voters are only given one ballot paper for each election or poll taking place on election day by checking the ballot paper number against the CNL each time one is issued
  • make sure that all voters are treated impartially and with respect
  • keep the secrecy of the ballot at all times including no commentary on social media on how busy or quiet the polling station may be
  • be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station and be impartial at all times
  • provide cover for the Presiding Officer and other poll clerks when required; all breaks should be taken during quiet periods, if possible
  • work as a team with other Poll Clerk(s) and your Presiding Officer
  • support the Presiding Officer to make sure that voters can cast their ballot in secret

Close of poll

At close of poll you will:

  • make sure that any voters in the queue at 10pm are able to receive their ballot papers and cast their vote
  • clear and tidy polling station as required
  • support Presiding Officer in checking paperwork where requested
  • stay at the polling station until the Presiding Officer has completed all paperwork, the polling station has been made good and the building has been secured

As well as the duties listed, you may be asked to take on other tasks appropriate with your pay level.

This will be the first election when voters will be required to provide photo ID before being given a ballot paper. These changes are listed below and will be part of the training given.

The Elections Act 2022 brought in the following measures in polling stations:

  • voters will need to show eligible photo ID before being issued with a ballot paper
  • additional support to make it easier for people with disabilities to vote
  • a restriction on the handling of postal votes

More information is available on the Elections and voting page.

These changes only apply to UK Parliamentary General elections and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.  They do not apply to Senedd or local elections in Wales.

The changes will impact the voting process for polling station staff in the following ways:

  • you will need to ask voters to show acceptable photo ID before issuing them with a ballot paper
  • there will need to be a private area for voters who want to show ID in private or to remove a face covering or mask
  • the ballot paper issuing process will take a bit longer, which may create queues at busier times
  • POs may need to refuse a ballot paper, for example, if a voter does not bring acceptable ID
  • there will be additional paperwork to complete, such as a ballot paper refusal list, voter ID evaluation form and a more enhanced record of postal votes handed in at the polling station
  • there will potentially be increased numbers of disabled people voting with a companion

You may need to support disabled voters to use special equipment or devices.

Person specification

Essential skills

You must:

  • have good communication skills and the ability to follow instructions
  • have good personal presentation and commitment to care
  • have good administration skills and attention to detail
  • be a team player and have a flexible attitude
  • be punctual and reliable
  • willing to share contact phone number with other members of staff working at the same polling station

Desirable skills

Previous experience as a Poll Clerk is desirable.

How to apply

You can apply by using our online application form. 

There are no upcoming elections, however, we keep a list of those who would like to help with election duties. You can submit an application at any time and if eligible we will contact you for future elections.