Working at an election

The rates of pay for election staff vary depending on the job role and responsibilities which come with that role. For more information on roles and responsibilities, please see the individual role profiles below.

For more information, email election.staffing@fife.gov.uk.

The hours you are required to work is dependent on the role you are allocated. Generally, if you are appointed to work in a polling station, you will be required to work between 6.30am and 10.30pm on polling day. If you are appointed to work as an Enumerator, you will generally be required to work in the evening from 9.30pm onwards.

You will be required to undertake training commensurate with the role you have been appointed to. This may be online or in person training.

Presiding Officers are responsible for running the ballot in the polling stations. They make sure voters can cast their votes in secret and free from influence. They aim to create and maintain a calm atmosphere and ensure the proper procedure for voting is followed and that the ballot is secure. Previous experience of working at elections is desirable for this role.

The Presiding Officer duties:

• attend training and any briefing sessions and comply with Returning Officer’s instructions
• collect ballot box and its contents the day before polling day and keep it secure
• liaise with the polling station keyholder before polling day to confirm arrangements for opening and closing the premises
• transport the ballot box and its contents to the polling station on polling day
• open and close the polling station on time
• organise the polling station layout, considering all voters’ needs
• be aware of access issues and familiarise yourself with any special equipment or devices to help voters with disabilities
• take charge of the polling station, ensuring the secrecy and security of the ballot
• be responsible for the health and safety of polling station staff, voters, and visitors
• keep the polling station neat and tidy
• instruct and supervise Poll Clerks
• ensure voters can cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere
• check and mark electors off in the polling station register and complete other official paperwork
• give voters ballot papers and make sure they put them into the ballot box
• help voters where appropriate and support disabled voters to use any special equipment or devices
• deal with special voting procedures as required e.g., dealing with anonymous voters, issuing tendered ballot papers
• accept completed postal vote packs handed in at the polling station
• be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station, remaining politically impartial at all times
• maintain order in the polling station and calling for advice and help from the election’s office where necessary
• manage the attendance of official observers and others entitled to be in the polling station, making sure they do not interfere with the voting process
• monitor the activities of candidate/party supporters known as ‘tellers’ outside the polling place
• account for all ballot papers issued and unissued and complete a ballot paper account
• complete polling station paperwork throughout the day and at once the poll has closed
• once the polls have closed and all votes have been cast, supervise the dismantling of the polling station, leaving the room as you found it

At a UK Parliament election, Presiding Officers are also responsible for:

• asking voters to show their photo identification and checking the photo is a reasonable likeness before issuing ballot papers at a UK parliament election
• checking voters’ identification is on the approved list of acceptable ID
• where applicable, checking voters’ ID in a private area
• when required, refusing to give a voter a ballot paper if they do not have an acceptable form of identification

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience required:

• good knowledge of the voting process
• previous experience of working in a polling station
• good communication skills and ability to explain procedures to a range of people in a calm and assertive manner
• commitment to customer care and equal opportunities
• good administrative skills and attention to detail
• punctual and reliable
• access to a vehicle to transport ballot box and equipment, where required

Poll Clerks assist Presiding Officers in carrying out their duties but do not have the responsibilities of the Presiding Officer. They should know all the procedures for voting and how to deal with common problems.

The Poll Clerk duties:

• comply with instructions and attend training
• help the Presiding Officer to set up the polling station, considering the needs of all voters, including:
  • put up signs, statutory notices, and voter instructions inside and outside the polling station
  • setting up polling booths
  • prepare the polling station for a 7am opening
  • be aware of access issues and familiar with any special equipment or devices to help voters with disabilities
  • maintain the secrecy of the ballot
  • keep the polling station neat and tidy
  • make sure voters can cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere
  • check and mark electors off in the polling station register and complete other official paperwork
  • give voters their ballot paper and make sure they put them into the ballot box
  • help with any other polling station duties when asked to by the Presiding Officer
  • be polite and professional when dealing with all visitors to the polling station, remaining politically impartial at all times
  • once the polls have closed and all votes have been cast, help to dismantle the polling station, leaving the premises as you found it.

At a UK Parliament election, Poll Clerks will also:

• ask voters to show their photo identification and check it is a reasonable likeness before giving out a ballot paper
• refer identification checks to the Presiding Officer if you are not sure an identification is valid

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience required:

• basic understanding of the voting process
• good communication skills
• commitment to customer care and equal opportunities
• good administrative skills and attention to detail
• punctual and reliable

Enumerators count the votes cast at polling stations, together with any postal votes. Depending on the election, counting may take place straight after the polls close (10pm on polling day) pr on the following day.

Enumerator duties:

• comply with instructions and, where necessary, attend training
• maintain the secrecy of the ballot
• act professionally and impartially at all times
• count ballot papers as directed by a supervisor
• re-count ballot papers if required
• when instructed, sort ballot papers for individual candidates/choice
• identify doubtful ballot papers

Skills, Knowledge, and Experience required:

• numeracy skills and attention to detail
• punctual and reliable
• ability to work under pressure