Waverley Borough Council - 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.

Elections staff application form

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Working at a polling station

Duties

Skills, knowledge and experience

Duties

Skills, knowledge and experience

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Working at a polling station

Presiding Officer

Duties

Skills, knowledge and experience

Poll Clerk

Duties

Skills, knowledge and experience