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General election 2024
Original poster

Polling Staff

189 replies

Allthegoodonesareg0ne · 22/05/2024 19:07

So we are back again on July 4th!
Was wondering what kind of conditions you've had to put up with at Polling stations?!
Last elections I was in a tin box in the middle of a field with a portaloo outside. Only reachable by foot, no handwashing facilities or fridge. Was freezing and chucking it down so got soaked every comfort break but at least the milk didn't go off!
Lovely voters though and presiding officer was great to work with so could be worse!

OP posts:
hjrl · 22/05/2024 19:13

We are always in village hall. I quite enjoy it. Missed one with newborn but did part of the count.

The best one was when a family turned up with balloons, bouncy castle, the works. They had booked hall for a party. The hall committee had left them a message cancelling but she took it as a question. Would you like to cancel, not would you like to reschedule?

That was not fun.

Original poster
Allthegoodonesareg0ne · 22/05/2024 19:29

Oh no! Not fun at all but memorable I'm sure. I hope they managed to figure something out?
I enjoy it, but usually in a community centre with running water lol

OP posts:
littlecrocodiles · 22/05/2024 19:40

Village hall/community centre with a cafe open during the day 😄

PurBal · 22/05/2024 19:42

Clicked this thread thinking it was about something else. Couldn’t find our polling station last time.

user1471505494 · 22/05/2024 19:44

Our polling station is in a small village hall with loos a kitchen and a big enough car park

OhmygodDont · 22/05/2024 19:44

Ours is a church hall with chippy across the road.

albertoross · 22/05/2024 19:46

Why did they put you in the middle of a field? That seems quite inaccessible

Original poster
Allthegoodonesareg0ne · 22/05/2024 19:48

littlecrocodiles · 22/05/2024 19:40

Village hall/community centre with a cafe open during the day 😄

Living the dream! I had to take my own loo toll 😂

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Ilovegoldies · 22/05/2024 19:49

Mine was lovely 😍. Kitchen, toilets, in a lovely park. The first year I did it was in a church hall overrun with rats. That was not fun. 😕

whiteroseredrose · 22/05/2024 19:49

Scout hut here.

Original poster
Allthegoodonesareg0ne · 22/05/2024 19:50

albertoross · 22/05/2024 19:46

Why did they put you in the middle of a field? That seems quite inaccessible

It was a park more than a field, cental to the village. Footpath through the middle that we were next to but no car park or vehicle access ( for us. Generator man was allowed in his van to fuel our generator)

OP posts:
Original poster
Allthegoodonesareg0ne · 22/05/2024 19:52

Ilovegoldies · 22/05/2024 19:49

Mine was lovely 😍. Kitchen, toilets, in a lovely park. The first year I did it was in a church hall overrun with rats. That was not fun. 😕

Oh no! I'd take the field over the rats, that's terrifying!

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Guiltyaboutwork · 22/05/2024 19:59

I’ve never done polling or counting (backfilled people that did when I worked in local government).

Does anyone here know whether the count will happen overnight in all constituencies or can it be decided locally?

In my area I didn’t know the local election results until mid afternoon Friday. I understand the reason- my council doesn’t have money for social care etc so can’t waste on overtime. It would be a bit odd though especially if the constituencies that decide the election (swing or massive swing to Labour most likely) aren’t counted until Friday.

BrioNotBiro · 22/05/2024 20:05

I had a freezing cold pub beer cellar in November once, but colleagues were in a barn so I was comparatively lucky.

Some in pubs get really well fed with pub grub by the landlords but I wasn't!

reallyalurker · 22/05/2024 20:07

We were in a church hall - first time I've done it. Decent conditions. Goodness, the other clerk was a massive talker though. And pretty much went at it all day as we had a very low turn-out. Considering doing it for the GE if they need people, but both the other poll clerk and the PO said that GEs are on a different level - much more hassle. Is that what others have found?

GCITC · 22/05/2024 20:08

Guiltyaboutwork · 22/05/2024 19:59

I’ve never done polling or counting (backfilled people that did when I worked in local government).

Does anyone here know whether the count will happen overnight in all constituencies or can it be decided locally?

In my area I didn’t know the local election results until mid afternoon Friday. I understand the reason- my council doesn’t have money for social care etc so can’t waste on overtime. It would be a bit odd though especially if the constituencies that decide the election (swing or massive swing to Labour most likely) aren’t counted until Friday.

My constituency always seems to be one of the last to declare. I don't think they start counting until Friday morning. Wish we were much more like Sunderland or Newcastle.

Original poster
Allthegoodonesareg0ne · 22/05/2024 20:34

BrioNotBiro · 22/05/2024 20:05

I had a freezing cold pub beer cellar in November once, but colleagues were in a barn so I was comparatively lucky.

Some in pubs get really well fed with pub grub by the landlords but I wasn't!

Oh that's a shame! It would be nice for them to make sure you were looked after. Know a few who've been posted in pubs and been well fed too.

Wondering what I did to upset our elections Staffing team! The returning officer popped in during the day and didn't seem in the slightest bit bothered about the conditions we were stuck in!

OP posts:
LlynTegid · 22/05/2024 20:37

Please don't let it put you off OP from working at a polling station on July 4th, I for one am grateful for those who do.

Hope you get to see some lovely dogs as well waiting outside.

rwalker · 22/05/2024 20:39

Lovely old memorial hall but count next day was a town hall freezing

FrenchFancie · 22/05/2024 20:46

How do you get to work in a polling station? I’ve always been fascinated by it but no idea how you get to volunteer.

FLOWER1982 · 22/05/2024 20:50

FrenchFancie · 22/05/2024 20:46

How do you get to work in a polling station? I’ve always been fascinated by it but no idea how you get to volunteer.

Contact your local council in the elections department - try their website should be on there.

hjrl · 22/05/2024 20:51

FrenchFancie · 22/05/2024 20:46

How do you get to work in a polling station? I’ve always been fascinated by it but no idea how you get to volunteer.

@FrenchFancie it's not voluntary, it's paid, fairly well. Watch your local council adverts closely.

FLOWER1982 · 22/05/2024 20:53

They pay £200 a day however it’s a long day - 16 hours and you can’t leave!

hjrl · 22/05/2024 21:07

@FLOWER1982 yes i was a bit hesitant after I posted that because I realised it's not much to some, but it is to me, and others. And a great way to see everyone locally for a hello

Sunshineandrainbow · 22/05/2024 21:13

16 hours is such a long day, wonder if they have ever considered splitting it.
I just did an evening once.

This time I am considering the count as I have never done that before. Does it go quick?