Employment at elections
How do I work at the election?
Have you ever thought of getting involved at election time by either working at a polling station, helping with the postal votes team or at the count? You may already be employed with The Highland Council or you may be looking for a temporary casual position.
Our Election Team is always looking for new motivated and dynamic people to work for us and would love to hear from you if you are interested in becoming involved. The Returning Officer, our Chief Executive, employs hundreds of staff at an election time to make sure that the process is run smoothly, in an open and transparent way.
It's a great opportunity to work as part of a team and all you need to do is check you are eligible and complete the online form below with your personal details.
Eligibility
To work at elections you must:
- be at least 18 years of age to work.
- have a national insurance number.
- have the right to work in the UK (proof of right to work will be required).
- live within in the Highlands.
- work more than the normal working hours provided for by the working time directive.
- Correspond via email, as communications will be by email.
You do not need to be an employee of the Council to work at the elections.
However, you cannot work for elections if you are campaigning on behalf of a candidate or party, if you are nominated as a candidate or have a personal relationship with an elected representative or candidate.
What roles are available
Each year we have vacancies for a range of roles:
- Working in a polling station
- Opening and sorting postal votes
- Counting Votes (overnight or the day after the election)
Full training will be provided, and you will be supported by experienced staff.
Rates of Pay
The rates of pay for election staff vary depending on the job role and the type of poll. All fees are subject to tax and will be reviewed annually. Mileage allowance will be paid on applicable posts.
Indicative hourly rate fees are as follows:
- Polling Station Inspector £16.80
- Senior Presiding Officer (No.1) £15.88 plus £25 addiotnal set fee
- Presiding Officer £15.88
- Polling Clerk/Information Officer £11.76
- Count and Postal Votes Staff are paid an hourly rate for working overnight or on bank holidays.
Supervisor roles may be paid a higher fee dependent on the role being undertaken.
How do I sign up?
You can apply to work at an election online.
Once you have submitted your application, The Election Team will be in touch to request proof of your right to work in the UK. You can check which documents can be used on the government right to work checklist.
Once we have processed your application you will be added to the Election Database and ahead of each election, we will contact you by email and check your availability to work.
If you no longer want to work for us and want your details removed, please let us know.
Data Protection
The Election Office is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This privacy notice describes how we collect and use personal information about you during and after your working relationship with us, in accordance with data protection law, including the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). It applies to all employees, workers and contractors.
To find out how we manage your personal data, please read our privacy statement.
Further Information
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions
Any work carried out for the election office is subject to the Secrecy Requirements for a particular election which you must sign up to preserve the secrecy of the vote when appointed.
If you require any further information, please telephone 01349 886657 or email election@highland.gov.uk