Election roles

Rate of pay: £15 per hour

Purpose

To open ballot boxes and i) count the ballot papers to ensure the contents agree with the Ballot Polling Station statement and ii) count the votes for each candidate in the election.

The Role

The role of the Verification/Count Assistant is not difficult, duties are however undertaken in a pressurized environment requiring concentration and accuracy.

You must:

• Be present for the pre-count briefing.
• Read and agree to the terms of the Statement of Secrecy.
• Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates, agents, councillors or guests.

Duties

Verification and Count Assistants work in teams of varying sizes supervised by Count Supervisors. They will:

• Separate ballot papers for each election
• Count the contents of ballot boxes
• Sort ballot papers according to candidate / party
• Count the votes for each candidate

Person Specification

• Able to work unsociable hours 2100 to 0500 (9.00pm to 05.00am)
• Be numerate
• Have good visual accuracy and attention to detail skills
• Ability to follow instructions accurately
• Ability to handle and quickly count large volumes of confidential papers
• Able to work under pressure and to deadlines
• Flexible approach to duties
• Ability to be politically neutral
• Previous experience

The length of time a Verification or Count takes will depend on the size and nature of the election. You must be prepared to stay as long as it takes and we recommend that you bring your own food. You will be given adequate breaks and refreshments will be provided.

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.

If you want to apply, complete the elections online application form.

Apply for an election role