Job Title: Postal Vote Opening Assistant
Job Type: Administrative
Postal vote opening assistants are responsible for the opening and handling of postal ballot papers received prior to polling day. Teams of assistants are employed in the days leading up to polling day. Returned postal votes are opened, checked and tallied in a secure manner, and your work may be observed by candidates and their agents.
The length of time the postal vote opening takes place each day will depend on the size and nature of the election and whether more ballot papers have been received. You must be prepared to stay as long as it takes. Opening sessions may be extended or curtailed subject to the requirements of the service.
The Returning Officer is not permitted to employ anyone who is/or who has carried out duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election. This includes subscribing to a nomination paper. All staff will be required to confirm their agreement to maintain the secrecy of the poll.
Key responsibilities and activities:
- Comply with instructions and attend training if required
- Maintain the secrecy of the ballot
- Follow instructions from your postal vote opening supervisor
- Act professionally and impartially at all times
- Count envelopes received
- Open and check contents of envelopes
- Work quickly and accurately
- Alert the table supervisor to any envelope mismatches or blank packs as instructed and recount batches as required
- Fill in required paperwork accurately
- Assist with clearing up after completion of the opening
- Carry out any other postal vote opening duties as required
Pay
TBC
Hours/days required:
Postal Vote Opening sessions occur during the two-weeks prior to and including polling day. Sessions take place in the morning.
Based at:
Elizabethan Suite, Bury Town Hall
Person Specification:Criteria |
Attributes (Essential/desirable) |
|
Knowledge |
Desirable A basic understanding of the election process Understanding postal vote procedures |
|
Skills and abilities |
Essential Ability to carry out work as instructed, even under pressure Accuracy and attention to detail Fully literate and numerate Ability to work under pressure |
|
Other |
Essential Ability to remain politically neutral Punctual and reliable Not connected to, nor will assist any candidate or party at the election Must not have been convicted of an offence under electoral legislation Desirable Previous experience as a Postal Vote Opening Assistant |