Our Electoral Services team relies on a number of internal and external staff to assist with the running of elections and electoral services within the borough.
The department holds a database of staff that is used to make appointments. We are always happy to hear from people that would be interested in working during elections.
Polling station staff work on the day of an election to ensure that eligible voters are able to cast their vote in a confidential and safe environment, free from influence.
• Presiding Officers are experienced polling station staff with good knowledge of the voting process who are able to manage the entire polling station. They must be able to assist voters with all queries, communicate appropriately with tellers, party agents and polling station inspectors, and maintain the secrecy of the ballot.
• Poll Clerks assist with keeping the polling station clean and tidy, answer electors' questions and hand out ballot papers. No prior experience is necessary as training will be provided.
The verification and counting of votes takes place after the poll has closed (this may be overnight or the following day / weekend).
• Count Assistants work at the verification and counting of votes. No prior experience is necessary as training will be provided.
Eligibility:
To work on elections, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Able to show proof of entitlement to work in the UK (a valid passport or other suitable documents)
Political restrictions and required behaviour:
Election staff are required to sign a code of conduct and a copy of the Requirement of Secrecy Act. Election staff must maintain political neutrality throughout the election period, both in-person and online. The secrecy of the poll must be maintained throughout.
Elections staff must not be politically active during the elections period. Staff must not:
- Sign a nomination paper for any candidate
- Be a relative of a candidate
- Express their own political opinions either in person or online, which includes social media
- Work or campaign on behalf of a candidate or party, including unpaid work
Working hours and rights to a break:
Election roles can involve a long work day and hours can exceed normal working hours. It can be difficult, or not possible in some roles, to take breaks as normal.
Election staff must sign contracts opting out of the Working Time Directive (which enforces maximum working hours) for the period of the election.
Apply for a role
Any current recruitment application forms will be posted below. Any applications made must be accompanied with a right to work document sent to election.staff@hertsmere.gov.uk
