Postal votes
Teams of assistants are employed over a number of full/half day sessions leading up to the election. Sessions may be extended or curtailed subject to the requirements of the service.
You must provide your own refreshments (including lunch).
All sessions are held at the Bromley Civic Centre.
Priority will be given to applicants who are available to work at all, or most of the sessions.
Job purpose
To open, check and count returned postal votes in a secure manner (votes for candidates are not counted as part of this process and ballot papers are kept faced down throughout)
The role
The role of a postal vote opening assistant is not difficult, but the greatest of care has to be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made. They must:
- Provide electoral services with payment details and proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK, if requested
- Attend training if required
- Have read and agreed the secrecy requirements
- Act impartially at all times and respect confidentiality of material handled
- Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates or agents
Principal duties and responsibilities
- Count envelopes received
- Open and check contents of envelopes
- Count ballot papers received
- Work quickly and accurately
- Fill in required paperwork accurately
- Follow instructions from your postal vote opening supervisor
- Assist with clearing up after completion of the opening
- Carry out any other postal vote opening duties as required
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Fully literate and numerate
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Punctual and reliable
- Ability to carry out work as instructed and under pressure
- Not connected to, nor will assist any candidate or party at the election
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of postal vote procedures
- Good team player