Presiding Officer job description

Hours 6.30am to 10.30pm
Current fee: To be advised, plus mileage

The role will be: 

• responsible for the conduct of the ballot in the polling station
• responsible for the management of your polling staff
• ensuring the accurate delivery of the poll and account for all ballot papers

General duties

General duties include:

• ensuring that voter identification is asked for and checked before ballot papers are issued
• ensuring electors understand the new voter identification requirement including what constitutes an acceptable form of ID
• ensuring electors are able to present their ID in private when requested
• responsible for refusing a voter a ballot paper where no ID is presented; or you do not consider the ID to be a good likeness; or consider it to be a forgery
• complying with any instructions from the Returning Officer and their staff
• ensuring that all electors are treated with respect and receive the same experience wherever they are and whatever time they vote
• maintaining the secrecy and security of the ballot and to be the face of an efficient and democratic election process
• attending training sessions and briefings provided by the Returning Officer’s Team 
• liaising with the key holder of your designated polling station before Election Day to make and confirm arrangements for opening/closing the building and check delivery of equipment
• making contact with your poll clerk(s) to check travel arrangements, arrival at and closing of the polling station; liaising with any other Presiding Officer(s) appointed to the same polling station at least a week before Polling Day
• collecting the ballot box(es) and equipment from a designated collection point
• remaining at the polling station for the duration of the poll and ensure that it is opened and closed on time
• organising the layout of the polling station taking voter needs into account
• being responsible for assigning work to the poll clerk(s) and ensuring that the correct procedure for voting is followed
• maintaining control at the polling station and ensure that the requirements for secrecy and security are observed
• dealing with members of the public in a helpful, polite, professional and impartial manner
• supporting disabled voters through the voting process
• liaising with candidates, agents and tellers at the polling station
• being aware of access issues at the polling station
• completing the ballot paper account and all other paperwork, including the ballot paper refusal list and voter ID evaluation form
• delivering the ballot box and all other equipment and sundries to the designated place as determined by the Returning Officer
• being responsible for health and safety at the station for yourself and others

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• previous experience of working at a polling station

Desirable

• basic understanding of the electoral process

Skills and attributes

Essential

• must be 18 or over and eligible to work
• punctual and dependable
• fully literate and numerate
• excellent communication and customer care skills and commitment to customer care
• able to travel to your polling station at the required times
• excellent administration skills and ability to problem solve
• be able to lift and convey ballot boxes
• no formalised affiliation or active participation with any political group at election time and must remain politically neutral
• self-motivated and of presentable appearance
• acceptance of Waiving of Work Time Directive for period of employment

Desirable

• knowledge of the area
• health and safety knowledge
• ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• access to own car which is insured for business use

How to apply

Download an application form.

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

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