Election jobs
There’s a real sense of purpose as the people of Leicester come together to deliver a smooth election.
Alison Greenhill, Chief Operating Officer
Election jobs
Alison Greenhill, Chief Operating Officer
There’s a real sense of purpose as the people of Leicester come together to deliver a smooth election.
We need you!
The upcoming general election will take place on Thursday 4th July 2024 and we need you to support us in delivering a smooth election. So, join your community and play a key role in helping this day run.
Polling station staff play an important role in running elections. From opening polling stations in the morning, to issuing ballot papers and helping voters, they make sure polling day runs well. It's an opportunity to serve your community while gaining new skills to help further your career.
You'll gain new problem solving and decision making skills, while learning more about how democracy works and how your vote is counted. And all while getting paid for your time.
What's it like?
Andrew Shilliam, Director of Corporate Services
As a Polling Station Inspector, I have seen first-hand the amount of effort needed to deliver a smooth and efficient general election polling day. It requires lots of people all coming together in a very short space of time, supporting the people of Leicester and giving them the chance to have their say. It’s hugely rewarding when you get to the close of the count and realise the part you’ve played in another successful polling day.
Gabriel, Project Manager (Finance)
I really enjoyed serving as a Poll Clerk in the last General Election. I thought it was important that, as an employee of the council, I should contribute to making the voting and counting process as efficient, credible and transparent as possible. While it can be challenging at times as we manage many different stakeholders, it’s also great to know that I am helping the people of Leicester exercise their voting rights. Personally, I see it as a call to national service that I simply have to answer.
Amina, Senior Procurement Officer
Playing a role in Leicester’s democratic process is critical for me, and I consider it a privilege and honour to be involved. There’s a real sense of responsibility and pride in knowing that you’ve helped deliver a fair and transparent election process. In past elections I have worked as a Senior Count Assistant, but predominantly my role has been a Poll Clerk at a polling station on Election Day. Election duty for me is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. So much so that even after eight years, I always put my name forward to provide this invaluable service.
At the polling station
The role has a real community feel to it and you’ll get to speak to and help lots of people from the local area you are appointed to work at. All the required training will be provided in the weeks before the election.
On election day you’ll start at 6.15am, making sure the polling station is set up before polls open at 7am. As voters arrive, you’ll be issuing ballot papers and marking registers. You’ll talk to voters as they arrive and make sure they know what to do. You’ll also be the first point of contact for someone who needs help. Most of the time you’ll be at a desk helping voters from across your community. Typically, you’ll be working until 11pm.
Requirements
You don’t need any specific qualifications, but some work experience is helpful. The role is a good fit for you if you enjoy working with people and want to do something to benefit the community. However there are some requirements you must meet to apply.
You must:
- be over 18 years old
- have a right to work in the UK
- have a good standard of English
- have not worked for a candidate standing in the election you want to work in.
You will need to declare on your application if you are:
- a member of a political party
- a close relative of a candidate
- actively campaigning at elections.
Skills you'll learn working at a polling station
Making decisions under pressure
Working as a team
Customer service skills
Problem solving
Attention to detail
Data entry
Payment and time off
Presiding Officer: £344.81
Poll Clerk: £212
Evening Poll Clerk: £80
Postal Vote Collection Team: £53.28
Opening of Postal Votes: £13.32 per hour
Unused Ballot Papers Team: £79.92
Verification and Counting of Ballot Papers: £129.87
If you are a Leicester City Council employee, you'll be granted one day’s paid leave, for working on election day.
Ready to apply?
To be considered for any of the election roles, please submit your details via the following expression of interest form.
If you're not a Leicester City Council employee, you'll then be sent a short assessment to complete. If passed, you'll then complete your right to work and national insurance checks. Before being set up with an account to confirm your job role and availability.
If you are a Leicester City Council employee, you'll be contacted by the elections team to provide your right to work and national insurance details as these must be kept independently to Leicester City Council files. Upon completion of checks you will need to create an account on the Mobile Election App where you have the opportunity to indicate your availability and which role you wish to apply for.
If you have already registered to work for previous Elections, you do not need to re-apply - simply login to your Mobile Election App account to confirm your availability. Please contact election.staffing@leicester.gov.uk with any enquiries.