How to apply to work at elections, eligibility and rates of pay.
There are many different roles available both in polling stations and at the count.
We've made some videos explaining the job roles and what you need to apply.
We recommend you watch the videos before completing the application form for the post you want.
The election posts and Elections Team
This will give you an overview of working with the Elections Team.
You must be polite and professional and politically neutral when you work for us.
Working at the Postal Vote Scanning Centre
Watch our short Postal Vote Scanning Centre video and Working at the Post Centre video for information on the role.
Read the short description of the pdf Postal Vote and Scan Centre roles descriptions (23 KB) .
Working at a polling station
Watch our short polling station video and working at the polling station for information on the roles.
Before you apply, watch the short videos about the different roles:
Read the short descriptions below for the following roles:
- pdf Poll Clerk job description (188 KB)
- pdf Polling Station Inspector job description (172 KB)
- pdf Presiding Officer job description (205 KB)
Working at the count venue
Watch our short count venue video and working at the count video for more information.
Before you apply, watch the short videos about the different roles:
- Working as a Count Assistant
- Working as a Table Supervisor
- Working as a Ballot Validation Officer
- Working as a Ballot Validation Supervisor
- Working as a Ballot Validation Officer Directional Assistant
- Working as a Ballot Validation Officer Transit Case Controller
Read the short descriptions below for the following roles:
- pdf Verification and the Count Process job descriptions (296 KB)
- pdf The Count Assistant job description (179 KB)
Before you apply
Right to work checklist
You will need to upload a copy of a document showing your right to work in the UK. Check which documents can be used on the government right to work checklist.
Choose your post
If you tell us on your application form the area you want to work in, such as a polling or counting position, you'll be considered for all jobs in those areas.
You don't need to complete an application form if you've worked for the Bristol City Council Election Team recently. Keep an eye on your email account, as we'll send out communications when we start recruiting for the various positions.
Apply
Eligibility
- You must be at least 18 years of age to work in a polling station or as a counting assistant.
- You'll need to provide your National Insurance number, and either your original passport or relevant supporting information which confirms you are entitled to work in the UK.
- If you are registered unemployed, you are advised to consult your local unemployment benefits office before you accept any offer of employment we may make you.
- Polling and count staff must not work on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign, nor be related to a prospective candidate.
Rates of pay
We'll introduce part-time roles for Presiding Officers from 2024.
Night shift pay will also be reflected in the pay scale. Pay will be introduced for day and night shifts.
May 2025 pay scale before tax
Election staff pay rates vary depending on the job role and the type of election.
Polling Station Inspector
Hourly Rate: £22.69 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: £30
Approx. Total working time: 17 hours
Presiding Officer
Hourly Rate: £17.49 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: £30
Approx. Total working time: 19 hours
Poll Clerk
Hourly Rate: £12.12 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: £30
Approx. Total working time: 16.5 hours
Table Supervisor night rate
Hourly Rate: £21.29 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: £40
Approx. Total working time: 6.5 hours
Count Assistant night rate
Hourly Rate: £18.19 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: n/a
Approx. Total working time: 6 hours
Ballot Verification Officer become Count Assistant night rate
Hourly Rate: £18.19 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: n/a
Approx. Total working time: 6 hours
Runner night rate
Hourly Rate: £18.19 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: n/a
Approx. Total working time: 6 hours
Porter night rate
Hourly Rate: £18.19 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: n/a
Approx. Total working time: 7 hours
Porter day rate
Hourly Rate: £12.12 per hour (plus 12.07% payment in lieu of holiday entitlement)
Training Fee: n/a
Approx. Total working time: 7 hours