Would you like to know more about working at a polling station as a paid member of staff on election day?
Stroud District Council is holding a polling station information event, complete with a mock polling station, for anyone interested in working in a polling station during the local elections on 2 May 2024.
The drop-in event will be held on Wednesday 7 February from 3pm – 7pm at SDC offices at Ebley Mill, Stroud.
Visitors will be able to see behind the scenes at a polling station, try their hand at issuing a ballot paper, and find out about the different roles available.
Experienced polling station staff can find out more about the new regulations in place for voter ID, and which types of ID are acceptable.
Stroud District Council employed 424 temporary election staff during the 2021 elections who between them issued more than 139,000 ballot papers.
There are more than 97,000 voters in the Stroud district and 104 polling stations in village halls, community buildings and even a couple in local pubs.
Polling stations are staffed by paid poll clerks and presiding officers. They set up the polling station and ensure that voters are able to cast their vote in secret, checking ID and aiding if necessary. Training will be given prior to the election.
Payment for these roles in 2021 was £213.20 for a poll clerk and £297 for a presiding officer. The fees for these roles are set across Gloucestershire and are in the process of being finalised for the 2 May elections.
“Working in a polling station is an exciting opportunity to get involved in the local democratic process,” said Kathy O’Leary, Stroud District Council Chief Executive.
“Many of our polling station staff really enjoy the experience and return every election, however with new voter ID regulations we need extra people to help our polling stations run smoothly.”
Polling station staff work for approximately 16 hours on election day, as stations open at 7am and close at 10pm, and they stay in the polling station the entire time. Presiding officers must be able to drive as they transport the ballot boxes to the count venue at the end of the day.
More information about the roles and an application form is available on the SDC website www.stroud.gov.uk/2024electionjobs
The open event will be held at Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Ebley Wharf, Stroud, GL5 4UB. If you are arriving by bike there are lockable bike racks at the entrance to the building; if you are arriving by car there are plenty of spaces in our visitors’ car park which is signposted on your way in.
A ‘Be a Councillor’ event will be held at the SDC Offices on 21 February at 6pm for anyone interested in standing for election in the district, town or parish elections. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
Sign up for email alerts here. For regular social media updates from the council, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.