Working at our elections

Hundreds of people support our elections by working at polling stations and at the ballot count.

These paid roles are important parts of the election - would you like to take on one of our election roles?

The roles are for a very short period of time around during the elections, ranging from a few hours up to a few days at most.

Most roles do not require experience, but they do require commitment. All appointed staff will be required to sign their agreement to maintain the secrecy of the ballot and must not work on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign or be related to a prospective candidate.

A number of paid roles are available for the election on Thursday 2 May 2024 and the count, listed on this page. 

To apply for any of the roles, email electreg@nwleicestershire.gov.uk or call 01530 454512. 

Please Note: External Staff will need to undergo Right to Work checks and bring the relevant documentation to our Offices in Coalville. 

Presiding Officer 

£275 (inc. travel and training)

A presiding officer manages the polling station. As this position requires significant responsibility, you must have considerable experience as a poll clerk at least. You must also have transport and access to a mobile phone for use on the day.

A Presiding Officer must: 

• Follow all instructions given by the Returning Officer
• Liaise with contacts to arrange access to the polling station in advance
• In a 'split' or 'double' polling station, liaise with the other presiding officer(s)
• Visit the polling station in advance
• Collect the ballot box before polling day and keep it secure
• Organise the layout of the polling station (may require some manual lifting).
• Instruct and supervise the poll clerk(s)
• Supervise the marking of the register and issuing of ballot papers to voters
• Supervise the dismantling of the polling station at the close of poll
• Deliver the ballot box and associated paperwork to the Count Centre.

Poll Clerk 

£185 (inc. travel and training) 

A Poll Clerk assists people who are coming to the polling station to vote. No experience is required for this position and full training will be given in advance.

A Poll Clerk must: 

• Follow instructions given by the Presiding Officer and the Returning Officer
• Set up the polling station (may require some manual lifting)
• Ensure the polling station is neat and tidy at all times
• Check and mark the polling station register
• Issue ballot papers to voters
• Ensure voters may cast their vote in secret
• Help to dismantle, clean and ensure the polling station is returned to good order.

Count Assistant

£12.00 per hour (daytime) 

Count Assistants count the ballots that have been delivered from the polling station. The location of the count is Whitwick and Coalville Leisure Centre. 

Count Assistant - Daytime - Friday 3 May 2024

Daytime - £12.00 per hour (Four hours' pay is guaranteed regardless of count length)

A Count Assistant (daytime) must: 

• Attend the counting of ballot papers after polling day
• Divide ballot papers into votes for individual candidates and count
• Recount where required
• Work accurately under scrutiny of candidates and agents.

To apply for any of the roles, email electreg@nwleicestershire.gov.uk or call 01530 454512.