Polling Staff

[Allthegoodonesareg0ne]

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!

I am doing the count for the first time.

Can anyone tell me more details on how it works and sorted please.

Should I get a finger protector for counting.

They usually provide you with one of the rubber finger things. Sometimes I find it helpful and other times not.

You'll be given everything you need, and if you can count to 20 you'll be fine. Basically the night goes:
get there
wait
wait
get a box
count
sort
count
wait
maybe get a drink and have a snack
wait
get a box
count
sort
count
etc etc

This might help https://www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/vale-of-white-horse-district-council/local-democracy-and-elections/elections-and-voting/first-time-voters-guide/5-what-happens-at-an-election-count-a-step-by-step-guide/

This is very accurate! 😄

Thanks @TokyoSushi ! For clarification if posters don't know, the waiting is mostly because you have to wait for the boxes to arrive (although some lucky tables get postal vote boxes so can start on time!) and they come in in dribs and drabs.

I'm looking forward to it - it's my 4th time and I've also done poll clerk but that day is too long for me. Where I count is very high profile and there's such a buzz in the air, and even more outside! And I love driving home and hearing the other results come in.

I've just remembered at the last count I did we had a fire evacuation and all the boxes had to be made secure whilst people were out of the building. That was fun!

Those of you who applied for the first time to be a polling clerk, have you heard anything yet? I applied in May and received an email saying they'd be in touch, but I haven't heard anything since and am starting to think that I won't be working this time, as time is running out for doing training etc.

I only heard yesterday so still time for you to hear from them.

I only got my presiding officer role confirmed today so plenty of time yet

They are not confirming count and postal bit open roles until next week

Online training for the first time this election and then a 90 minute briefing and collect ballot box the day before

I was asked on Saturday if I was free for the count. They said they had allocated polling station staff first, which makes sense.

Think it depends on area.

I was asked the very next day(after he announced it) if I'd work the Gen Elec. Obviously the council I work for were on the ball. We have been given all the same poll clerks and the same polling stations. Training is online, video or in person. If you worked in May you only have to watch the video.

I pick up the box two days before just in case there are any issues, we have the briefing the same time. Keys get brought round the night before (it's how it's always been for me).

If they're still allocating Presiding Officers and poll clerks there cutting it fine.

Thanks everyone! Fingers crossed I'll hear in the next day or two then.

Sorry to hijack your thread, AllTheGoodOnes!

Apols if this has already been answered, but when do staff working at polling stations get to vote? Esp if you're not working in your own polling station. Do you need to do a postal vote?

Yes, you need to postal @tribpot

So delighted to find this thread. I am going to be a polling clerk for the first time this GE, just got my email today. I have been assigned a local primary school, so I suppose the facilities will be ok. I work as a casual registrar doing weddings at the weekends so sort of for the LA. Im looking forward to a new experience, and I'm in a constituency that will be getting a lot of national attention.

Being a very food focused woman, I am already obsessing about how much food to bring for 16 hours! Hoping that DH will be dropping by with iced coffee and snacks. Any ideas or suggestions welcome.

Food really depends on the facilities. A kettle is usual, anything more such as a microwave is a bonus. Check with your presiding officer.

I usually think about meals that can be picked up and put down again between flurries if voters.

We usually get set up, then make a hot drink before the doors open at 7am.
Breakfast after the initial rush of early workers. Overnight oats works well.
Elevenses after the school run parents,keen pensioners and dog walkers. Maybe a bun and a coffee.
Lunch if you can take a short break. Packed lunch type items or a substantial salad.
Tea/dinner - something to get you through the evening rush. If microwave is available I might take a ready meal or something to reheat.
And the obligatory biscuits and sweets for sharing.

Don't forget your mug and favourite tea/coffee/milk, and cutlery. Your PO may bring tea/coffee/milk if you're lucky!

Worth bringing a cushion for your chair, and a blanket for your legs, as it can be cold and draughty. Maybe a book or magazine but as it's a GE it will be busy all day. And hopefully you will have lovely colleagues to chat to.

PS a make sure you have arranged a postal vote, unless you vote in the polling station you are working in.

Can I make a small plea to all of you manning polling stations, pls make sure the voting booths are not in sight lines of people queueing to register. Twice in recent years at two different polling stations I have had to ask for the booths to be moved as I could see how people were voting. First time, they got a little snotty until I made them stand where I had been and they realised that there was an issue. Second time I had to call the Electoral Services team, who came out and agreed that I was right and I suppose that makes me that voter.

Thank you to all of you for doing this, it is really appreciated.

You could also arrange a proxy vote @tribpot , my husband does mine for me. I find it slightly less of a faff than a postal vote!

Thanks @Hannahthepink and @TokyoSushi it was actually more idle curiosity, I'm not working at the polling station although I'm very interested.

I've got my training this evening, then I'll find out which polling station I've been allocated. I couldn't work the May elections this year, so am hoping I haven't lost my place at my usual station as I've moved basically next door to it, so it will be incredibly convenient!

Out of curiosity can I ask how much people are being paid for poll clerk roles?
I'm being paid £229
Daughter being paid £259
Different councils obviously!

DD is getting £212 + £30 training = £242