Poll Clerk role description

Job purpose

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

You will:

keep to all instructions from the Returning Officer, Elections Team and Presiding Officer
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

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 electors 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 electors 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 Presiding Officer and other poll clerks when required; all breaks should be taken during quiet periods
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
speak English in the polling station at all times

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.

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

Previous experience as a Poll Clerk is desirable.