Poll Clerks are responsible for providing assistance to voters, setting up the polling station, issuing ballot papers and checking and marking voter's number in the register.
Apply
Electoral Services – Polling staff application form
Pay
The application above states a fee that was issued for 2023, please be aware this will differ, but the fee will be confirmed nearer to the election.
Role overview
As Poll Clerk you will assist the Presiding Officer with running the polling station. You will help to set up polling station equipment, assist in the issue of ballot papers to members of the public, mark the electoral register and assist in the accurate completion of paperwork.
Polling Stations are open from 7am until 10pm on polling day, staff must arrive at the polling station by 6am to set up the equipment in time for opening the poll. In order to maintain the secrecy of the vote and safeguard the integrity of the process, staff must not leave the premises during polling hours.
Summary of main duties
- Comply with the instructions of the Acting Returning Officer and the Presiding Officer
- Be polite and professional in dealing with voters, candidates and agents, representatives of the Electoral Commission and accredited observers
- Act impartially and with respect at all times
- Observe and maintain the secrecy of the ballot at all times
- To assist the Presiding Officer with the following as required:
- Layout of the polling station and preparation for the opening of the poll
- Any polling station duties on the instruction of the Presiding Officer
- Completion of procedures after the close of poll
Before polling day
- Complete the Online training session before the deadline, details of which will be provided by the Electoral Services office.
- Read the Polling Station Manual, Polling Station Procedures and other related material.
Polling day
Help the Presiding Officer to carry out the following:
- Assist with setting up the polling station having regards to voter needs.
- Erecting the polling booths if necessary. This involves some lifting.
- Keeping the polling station neat and tidy.
- Place direction signs and information notices around the polling station as directed.
- Check that electors are eligible to vote in the election and at your polling station
- Check and mark electors’ electoral numbers in the register of electors
- On the corresponding numbers lists, write the voter’s elector number against the number of the ballot paper issued
- Issue ballot papers to voters ensuring that the correct procedures are followed and ballot papers contain the official mark.
- Ensure that voters cast their votes in secret and put them into the correct ballot box.
- Provide assistance to voters where appropriate.
- Be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station, maintaining high standards of customer care.
- Any other polling station duties on the instruction of the Presiding Officer.
- Remain at the polling station for the entire hours of the poll.
Close of poll
- Ensure that the polling station is left neat and tidy.
- Carefully remove polling station notices and assist the Presiding Officer with the packing up of the election material.
- Help the Presiding Officer as required.
General
- The Returning Officer is not permitted to employ anyone who is/or has carried out duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election.
- All staff will be required to sign their agreement to maintain the secrecy of the poll.