Have you ever thought about working at a polling station or helping to count the votes at an election? Our Elections Team is always looking to recruit motivated and enthusiastic staff. We would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming involved. 

Elections are a great opportunity to work as part of a team and take a sense of pride in playing a role in supporting democracy.

You could help us by playing an important role for your local community – plus it’s a fantastic way to earn some extra money.
 

Working at a polling station

Polling station staff are responsible for making sure voting procedures are correctly followed. On election day, staff must have their polling station set up and ready to open for 7am, working through the day until after the polls close at 10pm.

All staff employed to work at a polling station must attend an online training session before taking up their appointment.

Available roles

Presiding Officer (job description)

Poll Clerk (job description)

Working at the count

Counting assistants 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) or on the following day(s). 

Our election counts are usually held at Redlands Community Sports Centre in Weymouth. However, this may vary depending on the type of election.

Available roles

Count Assistant (job description)

Eligibility

To work at elections you must:

  • be at least 18 years old
  • be entitled to work in the UK (in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 2006)
  • not work on behalf of a candidate during the election campaign 
  • consent to working in excess of normal working hours outlined in the Working Time Directive
  • comply with secrecy requirements which will be supplied to all staff

How to apply

Please read the descriptions of the jobs we have available, then complete and return an application form.

Return the application form to elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. 

If you have any questions please email elections@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.