Become an Election Worker

Fife Council runs all local and national elections in Fife. We're looking for people aged 18 and over from all walks of life who can work with us to fill a number of polling day vacancies across Fife for the upcoming Local Government Election (also known as 'Council Elections'). You could be a Fife Council employee, a student, a retiree or someone interested in getting involved. It's a great opportunity to see democracy in action and you'll receive full online training for the Presiding Officer and Polling Clerk vacancies to make sure that you are confident in your role.

The Local Government Election takes place on 5th May 2022.

Eligibility

• You must be at least 18 years of age to work in a polling station or as a counting assistant
• If you are not employed by Fife Council, you will need to provide your National Insurance number, and either your original passport or relevant supporting information which confirms you are entitled to work in the UK
• Polling staff must not work on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign, nor be related to a prospective candidate

Available roles

Presiding Officer

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. Experience of working at elections is desirable for this role.

The Presiding Officer has several duties including:

At the polling station

• organising the layout of the polling station and liaising with the key-holder of the building if required
• opening and closing the polling station on time
• being responsible for all the ballot papers, paperwork and ballot boxes
• receiving any postal votes handed in by voters
• keeping the polling station neat and tidy
• ensuring that all signs and notices are clear, visible and remain in place throughout the day

The process of voting

• being responsible for the health and safety of voters and staff within the polling place
• instructing and supervising the work of the polling clerks
• maintaining order in the polling station
• ensuring all ballot papers are issued correctly to eligible voters
• dealing with special voting procedures as required
• managing the attendance of those entitled to be present in the polling station, e.g. candidates and agents, representatives of the Electoral Commission and accredited observers, and ensure they do not interfere with the voting process
• monitoring the activities of tellers (people who work on behalf of political parties) outside polling places and ensure  they do not interfere with the voting process
• cleaning surfaces within the polling place

Polling Clerk

Polling 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 duties of a Polling Clerk include:

• assisting with the layout of the polling station and prepare for the opening of the poll
• checking that voters are eligible to vote in the election and at this polling station
• checking and mark voters’ elector numbers in the register of electors
• writing the voter’s electoral number on the corresponding number list
• issuing ballot papers to voters, ensuring that they bear the official mark
• ensuring that voters cast their votes in secret
• maintaining the secrecy of the ballot at all times
• answering voters’ questions, where appropriate, in a friendly and professional way
• helping with any other polling station duties on the instruction of the Presiding Officer
• directing voters to the correct polling station
• managing queues to vote
• cleaning surfaces within the polling place
• assisting the presiding Officer to complete necessary procedures after the close of the polling station

Election Auxiliary

Election auxiliaries manage the additional hygiene needed in polling stations and your duties include:

• Helping voters find the correct polling station
• Assisting the Polling Clerk to manage queues to vote
• Sterilising polling booths and equipment throughout day

Hours of work

You are required to work between 6.00am and 10.30pm and you cannot leave the premises during this time. Election Auxiliaries can choose to work half day shifts from 06:00 – 14:15 or 14:15 – 22:30

Pay

The rates of pay for election staff vary depending on the job role and the type of election. The fees (before tax) are:

• £275 for a presiding officer (including training payment and £10 travel expenses)
• £200 for a polling clerk (including training payment and £10 travel expenses)
• £160 for an election auxiliary (full day - including £10 travel expenses)
• £85 for an election auxiliary (half day - including £10 travel expenses)

If you would like more information, or to apply, please email election.enquiries@fife.gov.uk