Working at elections

Local Elections take place every four years and in between we run Parliamentary Elections, Police and Crime Commissioner, parish elections and referendums which include a variety of job opportunities. 

We have more than 130 polling stations across Bedford Borough and we are looking for people who are good communicators, methodical, and quick to learn. 

Polling station staff work on the day of an election and ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, free from influence and in a calm atmosphere. 

Presiding Officers 

Presiding Officers are experienced polling station staff with good knowledge of the voting process. They must be able to manage a small team of poll clerks, ensure that people with additional needs can cast their vote, liaise appropriately with tellers, party agents and polling station inspectors, and maintain the secrecy of the ballot. 

Standard fee is £296.

Poll Clerks

Poll Clerks work under the direction of the Presiding Officer. They assist the Presiding Officer with keeping the polling station clean and tidy, answering electors' questions and handing out ballot papers. No prior experience is necessary as training will be provided.

Standard fee is £224.

Count Assistants

Count Assistants work at the verification and counting of votes. No experience is necessary as training will be provided. Typically, the verification and count lasts around seven hours. 

The verification and counting of votes takes place after the poll has closed (this may be overnight or the following day / weekend depending on the type of election or referendum). 

Standard fee is £11.44 per hour.

Eligibility:

• We can only accept applications from people who are not employed by any political party or candidate at an election (including unpaid work).
• We have to comply with legislation to prevent the employment of illegal workers. You will be asked to provide your passport with any relevant supporting documents which confirm you are entitled to work in the UK.
• Anyone who is appointed to work at a polling station or at the count must be able to work flexible hours as needed during this period. They may be required to work in excess of the normal maximum working hours and must agree to accept this.

Applying for to work as election staff 

If you are interested in any of these roles please complete the election staff application form (Word) and email it to elections@bedford.gov.uk.

Please note the following terms of employment:

• Election roles are paid on a Pay As You Earn (PAYE) basis, which means that tax may be deducted from your earnings. If you are not a tax payer you will be responsible for claiming the tax back from HMRC.
• Any work that you do may affect any state pension or benefit that you receive. You will be responsible for telling your pension or benefit provider about your earnings.
• Any work you do may affect how much tax that you are required to pay. You will be responsible for telling HMRC about your earnings.
• Applying to work/ confirming your availability is not a contract of employment.
• You will be required to provide proof of entitlement to work in the UK.