Introduction

As a poll clerk you will assist the presiding officer in the running of your allocated polling station on polling day. You must know all of the voting procedures and how to deal with any problems.

Criteria to apply

There is no specific criteria you must meet to apply to be a poll clerk. However having a car or access to a car is beneficial as a lot of our polling stations are rural and you won’t finish your role until after 10pm on polling day.

If your application is successful you will be required to complete an online training module, that you will be paid for, to help you in your role.

Duties on polling day

Your duties as a poll clerk are to:

• comply with the instructions of the local returning officer and the presiding officer
• assist with the layout of the polling station and prepare for the opening of the poll
• be polite and professional in dealing with voters, candidates, agents and others entitled to be present in the polling station
• act impartially at all times
• check that voters are eligible to vote in this election and at this polling station
• check and mark voters electoral numbers in the register of electors
• write voters elector numbers against the number of the ballot paper issued in the corresponding number list
• issue ballot papers to voters when directed by the presiding officer, making sure it has the official mark
• make sure that voters cast their votes in secret
• maintain the secrecy of the ballot at all times
• answer voters questions in a friendly and professional way
• help with any other polling duties on the instruction of the presiding officer.

You will also have a number of responsibilities once a polling station closes.

Responsibilities after a polling station closes

After the polling station closes you should:

• assist the presiding officer to complete the necessary procedures
• take down all the signs
• tidy the room
• dismantle the polling station furniture, if required, and return it to its original state.