Staff recruitment

All positions for polling station and counting staff for the local elections on 3 May 2012 have been filled.

Polling station and counting staff are recruited and appointed by the Returning Officer.

Information for polling staff

The polling hours are 7am to 10pm. Staff need to arrive at the polling station at 6.30am to set up and be there to close down the polling station at the end of the poll.

Each polling station will have a Presiding Officer who will be responsible for the overall running of the polling station and at least one Poll Clerk.

The main duties of polling staff are to:

• act impartially at all times
• provide assistance to voters where appropriate
• assist with the layout of the polling station and prepare for the opening of the poll
• issue ballot papers to voters
• check if voters are eligible to vote
• check and mark each voter's number in the Register of Electors

Fees

The fees for 2012 are:

• Presiding Officers: £195 (increasing by 20 per cent for combined polls) plus £45 for attending the training session and £13 for transporting a ballot box.
• Poll Clerk: £115 (increasing by 20 per cent for combined polls) plus £45 for attending the training session.

Due to the high numbers of applications we receive we will be unable to use everyone that applies, as there are limited spaces, but everyone will automatically added to a reserve list. Appointments will be made as far as possible on a first come, first served basis but will also be dependant on the areas of Plymouth that an individual is prepared to work in (there are very few vacancies in Plympton and Plymstock areas, and no election in Drake ward).

Polling station and counting staff are recruited and appointed by the Returning Officer.

Polling day is Thursday 3 May 2012.

Information for Counting Assistants

Counting Assistants are responsible for verifying and counting votes after the close of poll. Hours vary depending on the voter turnout and distribution of votes and you would need to be at the Guildhall by 9.45pm.

Fees

The fees for 2012 are:

• City Council Election Count on Thursday 3 May 2012: £80

Fees are subject to tax deductions.