Election jobs

To deliver elections across the borough, we need to employ staff to work at polling stations, the count and postal vote opening sessions. We are looking for reliable, motivated people to help us carry out these essential functions. Full training is provided.

Current opportunities

We are currently recruiting staff to work at the Mayor of London and The Greater London Assembly (GLA) elections taking place on Thursday 2 May 2024. These may potentially be combined with a General Election taking place on the same day. 

The following roles are available:

• Polling station staff: Senior Presiding Officers, Presiding Officers and Poll Clerks work at polling stations on polling day and ensure that the correct voting procedures are followed. You must have good customer service skills
• Counting staff: count ballot papers after the close of poll. You must have an eye for accuracy and be able to follow instructions. This will be taking place over multiple sessions in the days following the election
• Postal vote openers: attend allocated sessions during the working day up to two weeks before polling day. Assist in opening postal vote packs that have been returned (including on polling day itself). You must have an eye for accuracy and be able to follow instructions
• Support staff: help with various manual handling and administrative tasks at the count venue on election night.

Read job descriptions for each role. Full details (including exact pay and location) will be provided if you are appointed.

Minimum requirements

To undertake election duties you must:

• Be aged over 17
• Be entitled to work in the UK (in accordance with the provisions of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996)
• Not work or volunteer on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign

Count timings

The timing of the count will depend on whether the GLA election is combined with a General Election. It's possible we won't know if it will be combined until late March. 

The count(s) will take place as below (exact timings and location to be confirmed): 

GLA election only

 These dates will all be day time working:

• Friday 3 May 
• Saturday 4 May 
• Sunday 5 May will be heled as a contingency day in case counting is not completed on Saturday 4 May

General Election 

If there is also a General Election, the count will be held on: 

• Thursday 2 May into Friday 3 May (i.e. overnight until around 6am)
• Friday 3 May (day time)
• Sunday 5 May 
• Monday 6 May (bank holiday) will be held as a contingency day in case counting is not completed on Sunday 5 May

You can use the application form to confirm which count days you will be available to work.

How to apply

If you are interested in working at this election, submit our online form. The same form is used whether you have worked for us before, or are applying for the first time. 

Start application

What happens next

We will contact you if you have been appointed. As we usually receive a large number of applications, it may take several weeks to contact you regarding any appointment. We are also unable to contact you if you have not been appointed.

Polling station handbook

The Electoral Commission have put together a handbook for polling station staff to use for the upcoming elections in May.

Contact

If you have any questions about working at elections, contact us by email at electionjobs@richmond.gov.uk.