Recruiting for Elections in Telford and Wrekin

Would you like to earn some extra cash? Are you interested in getting involved in democracy?

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from people who might be interested in undertaking some ad-hoc casual work supporting the running of elections within Telford and Wrekin. 

Examples of the types of roles, and typical working hours are set out below:

  • Polling Clerk
    Working in an allocated polling station providing ballot papers to electors who wish to vote. Complying with electoral legislation. This roll requires attendance from 6.30am until approximately 10.30pm. Those fulfilling this role must have an attention to detail, be able to work in a customer facing environment and be able to deal with scrutiny from observers.

  • Count Assistant
    Usually working in the late evening and potentially overnight to help count ballot papers after the election has come to an end. Usually starting at around 9pm and continuing until the results are declared (which could be 6am or later). Those fulfilling this role must possess an attention to detail whilst completing repetitive work, able to work whilst under significant scrutiny and be able to remain patient whilst other work is undertaken.

  • Postal Vote Opening Assistants
    This role is, primarily, a daytime role although there is a need for some evening working. This involves opening and counting postal votes received. Again, an attention to detail is required even when undertaking repetitive tasks. Some postal vote opening assistants will be required to carry out computer-based tasks so IT literacy would be beneficial.

  • General Elections Support Assistant
    This role will be, largely, office based working during daytime hours with occasional need to work in the evening. Work will vary but will include the preparation of elections-related documentation, preparation of ballot equipment and corresponding with electors. 

These roles are politically restricted and cannot be carried out by anyone who is a member of a political party or who is related to a borough councillor or someone who has been a borough councillor in the last five years.

Additionally, those carrying out these roles are prohibited from expressing political views. 

At the moment, we are seeking to increase the numbers of people who may be interested in supporting the elections process. This is primarily in readiness for the election cycle in May 2027.

We will acknowledge receipt of your expression of interest but will only be in touch as and when we are seeking to fulfil roles. This may be in several months' time.

Eligibility

To undertake election duties you must:

  • be at least 18 years of age
  • be entitled to work in the UK (in accordance with the provisions of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996) and you must provide proof of right to work in the UK with the required evidence upon application
  • all staff must not work on behalf of a candidate during an election campaign, nor be related to a prospective candidate
  • polling and count staff must consent to working in excess of the normal working hours provided for by the 1998 Working Time Directive.

To apply, please complete the online application form about which role you would be interested in and a summary of your experience which would be relevant to those roles.

Complete the online election staffing application form

For further information contact elections.staffing@telford.gov.uk.