Hours 6.30am to 10.30pm
Current fee: To be advised, plus mileage
The role will be:
- responsible for the conduct of the ballot in the polling station
- responsible for the management of your polling staff
- ensuring the accurate delivery of the poll and account for all ballot papers
General duties
General duties include:
- ensuring that voter identification is asked for and checked before ballot papers are issued
- ensuring electors understand the new voter identification requirement including what constitutes an acceptable form of ID
- ensuring electors are able to present their ID in private when requested
- responsible for refusing a voter a ballot paper where no ID is presented; or you do not consider the ID to be a good likeness; or consider it to be a forgery
- complying with any instructions from the Returning Officer and their staff
- ensuring that all electors are treated with respect and receive the same experience wherever they are and whatever time they vote
- maintaining the secrecy and security of the ballot and to be the face of an efficient and democratic election process
- attending training sessions and briefings provided by the Returning Officer’s Team
- liaising with the key holder of your designated polling station before Election Day to make and confirm arrangements for opening/closing the building and check delivery of equipment
- making contact with your poll clerk(s) to check travel arrangements, arrival at and closing of the polling station; liaising with any other Presiding Officer(s) appointed to the same polling station at least a week before Polling Day
- collecting the ballot box(es) and equipment from a designated collection point
- remaining at the polling station for the duration of the poll and ensure that it is opened and closed on time
- organising the layout of the polling station taking voter needs into account
- being responsible for assigning work to the poll clerk(s) and ensuring that the correct procedure for voting is followed
- maintaining control at the polling station and ensure that the requirements for secrecy and security are observed
- dealing with members of the public in a helpful, polite, professional and impartial manner
- supporting disabled voters through the voting process
- liaising with candidates, agents and tellers at the polling station
- being aware of access issues at the polling station
- completing the ballot paper account and all other paperwork, including the ballot paper refusal list and voter ID evaluation form
- delivering the ballot box and all other equipment and sundries to the designated place as determined by the Returning Officer
- being responsible for health and safety at the station for yourself and others
You cannot be employed if you have carried out any duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- previous experience of working at a polling station
Desirable
- basic understanding of the electoral process
Skills and attributes
Essential
- must be 18 or over and eligible to work
- punctual and dependable
- fully literate and numerate
- excellent communication and customer care skills and commitment to customer care
- able to travel to your polling station at the required times
- excellent administration skills and ability to problem solve
- be able to lift and convey ballot boxes
- no formalised affiliation or active participation with any political group at election time and must remain politically neutral
- self-motivated and of presentable appearance
- acceptance of Waiving of Work Time Directive for period of employment
Desirable
- knowledge of the area
- health and safety knowledge
- ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- access to own car which is insured for business use
How to apply
Return the application form to elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.
If you have any questions please email elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.