I have been a Poll Clerk a couple of times over the years in Polling Stations and mean to write about what it is like every year when local and general elections come around. I see and hear so many questions about working in a Polling Station that I thought it might be useful if I answered some.
Firstly, let’s look at the pros and cons of working in a Polling Station:
The Pros
- Excellent experience for seeing how the election process works.
- You get to meet some wonderful people and have fascinating conversations throughout the day.
- It’s extra money!
The Cons
- It’s a REALLY long and exhausting day!
- Even if you feel very strongly one way or another about a political party, you have to remain neutral on the day.
- You may have to turn some voters away if they are not a registered voter or do not bring photographic ID.
- You need to remember to place your own vote beforehand if your local polling station is different to that you are working in.
Can anyone work in a Polling Station
You have to work for a local Council or an associated organisation, for example an organisation that occasionally works with the Council might be allowed to put poll clerks forward.
Is it good pay?
Its better pay to be a Presiding Officer but this comes after considerable experience of being a Poll Clerk (or Assistant Clerk) and has added responsibility.
Poll Clerk’s tend to take a day’s holiday and use the additional income as extra.
Do you have to be a Poll Clerk if you work for the local Council?
No, totally voluntary – You put your name down as being willing and available. You need to ask your manager permission to take leave on that day as the usual service of your department needs to be able to carry on.
What age can be a poll clerk?
18+ years of age can be Poll Workers.
Do you have to do the count?
No this is extra – You may be asked if you are willing to be put down for the count but you don’t have to say yes. I didn’t stay for the count and was so grateful to be able to head home on election night.
How many people work at each Polling Station?
Typically 2 people – A Presiding Officer and a Poll Clerk.
What should I take with me for a day working in the polling station?
What to wear
- Layers are your friend. This also depends on what sort of building your Polling location is too. If you are in a school it might be very warm but some community centres are draughty.
- Bear in mind that the door is likely to keep opening and closing so you could get freezing if it is a poor weather day.
- You should choose outfits that are not bright colours and look affiliated with any particular political party – So avoid Red, Blue, Yellow and Green!
- Comfortable footwear – You are up and down all day so be comfy!
Things to keep occupied:
- Books
- Magazines
- Puzzles
- Phone and Phone Charger
What else to take with me
- Deodorant
- Spare top – You might want to freshen up (the day really is that long!) or even spill something down you, so best to be prepared.
- Toothbrush
- Hairbrush
What food to take when working at the Polling Station
Bear in mind that if you are working at a busy Polling Station, then you might not get an actual lunch hour, instead you might be snacking throughout the day.
Food to avoid:
- Smelly food – Curries, Chilli and smelly cheese are best saved until after you get home
- Any food that needs to be kept frozen or be very fresh to be enjoyed
- Anything particularly messy – again perhaps save your spaghetti until later
Good snacking food:
- Sausage Rolls
- Sandwiches, like these Chicken Basil Toasted Sandwiches.
- Mini Scotch Eggs
- Soups are really good if you have a good flask that will keep it warm. This Sweet Potato, Lentil and Chilli Soup is super tasty.
- Sharing bags of sweets (You want to make friends with your co-worker!)
- Flapjacks are good for a boost of energy, like these Apple, Date & Cinnamon Flapjacks.
- Traybakes that can be cut into small pieces, like this Tropical Ginger Traybake.
Are there toilet facilities?
Yes, all Polling Stations are required to have toilet facilities for the staff. The actual polling room may be just the entrance to a primary school that voters cannot pass. Clerks are allowed entry to use the facilities though.
How busy is the Polling Station likely to be?
Depending whether you are working a local election or a general election, will determine how busy you are likely to be. I have only ever worked as a Poll Clerk for local elections and it was so quiet.
Is it difficult being a Poll Clerk?
No. There are rules that you have to follow and you may have a short training session either beforehand or on the day i.e. Where to display signage, what you can and cannot say and how to check photographic ID to check voter eligibility.
You may get visited throughout the day by elections officials to make sure you are doing everything correctly to ensure a fair electoral process.
Occasionally, politicians (or potential politicians) from all of the major political parties will do the rounds and greet voters as they approach the polling station.
You should never actually see anyone’s ballot papers so you won’t know how they have voted or if they have even spoiled their voting card – They got in the voting booths then pop it into the ballot box.
It is really important that you remain neutral throughout the day – I even had people asking me which way to vote and what the relevant parties stood for (You can’t tell them in case of bias).
Can I choose a Polling Station near to me?
If you work in the constituency that you live in, you might get a polling station near to home. My Council always tried to do this as election day is such a long day. It is not guaranteed though and Councils just have to fill where there are vacancies.
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2 Adults 3 Children is a family with 3 daughters, aged 13+. They live near Liverpool and share the best events happening in the North West plus their travels further afield.
That’s a really interesting post! I had been wondering about being a poll clerk… easy to forget how long the day is, great to know what items ti take along to help through the day!