Election jobs
Presiding officer
The role
Presiding officers are responsible for the conduct of the ballot in the polling stations and they must have a good knowledge of the voting procedures. Along with poll clerks, they make up the polling station team.
They must ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere.
As a presiding officer, you will be expected to arrive at your designated polling station by 6:30am to ensure it is operational by 7am. The polling station will remain open until 10pm.
You will be expected to remain on the premises for the duration of the poll and provide your own refreshments.
Presiding officers must:
- Not be employed by or on behalf of a candidate in or about the election (paid or otherwise)
- Be eligible to work in the UK
- Agree to the requirements of secrecy
- Conduct themselves professionally and impartially before and during polling day
Duties
Overall
- Comply with any instructions from the Returning Officer
- Take charge of the running of the polling station
- Ensure that all electors are treated impartially and with respect
- Maintain the secrecy of the ballot at all times
- Instruct and supervise the poll clerk(s) at the polling station
Before polling day
- Complete a mandatory training session
- Liaise with contact for the designated polling station well before polling day to confirm arrangements for key collection, opening, and closing the building
- Visit the polling station in advance to ensure polling day arrangements are in place
- Contact poll clerk(s) in advance to brief them on any location-specific necessary procedures
- Where applicable, make contact with other presiding officer(s) at the same location
- Collect the ballot box and contents before the poll and keep secure
Polling day
- Transport the ballot box and contents to polling station
- Organise the layout of the polling station, taking all voter needs and access issues into account. Some heavy lifting may be required
- Be responsible for health and safety at the polling station for all staff and visitors
- Ensure the polling station is opened on time
- Ensure all signs and instructions are clear, visible and remain in place
- Supervise the checking of voter's photographic identity documents in accordance with the Elections Act 2022
- Account for, and be responsible for, all ballot papers, issued and un-issued
- Supervise the checking and marking of the register of electors and corresponding number lists
- Issue ballot papers to voters
- Ensure voters cast their votes in secret and put them into the (correct) ballot box
- Provide assistance to voters where appropriate
- Formally receive postal votes delivered by hand
- Monitor the activities of those entitled to be present in and outside the polling station
Close of poll
- Ensure the polling station is closed on time
- Supervise the dismantling of the polling station and ensure the building is returned to good order
- Complete the ballot paper account and associated paperwork
- Pack up documents in accordance with instructions given by Returning Officer
- Deliver the ballot box and associated paperwork to the count location as designated by the Returning Officer
Pay
Final pay will be confirmed in your appointment letter.
If you are allocated to a polling station administering multiple polls at the same time, you will receive a 20% uplift to reflect the added complexity.
All election fees are subject to tax on a pay as you earn (PAYE) basis, but are exempt from National Insurance contributions.
How to apply
You can apply for an election job at any time of the year. We will add all applicants to our staff database and you will be contacted for your availability when we begin staffing for our next election.
The next scheduled election will take place on 6 May 2027.
If you would like to be added to the database for future elections, please complete the form below.
Alternatively, request a form from us: contact Electoral Services
Last updated: 16/06/2025 12:48
