Employment at elections - Mixing and Counted Votes Team

The purpose of the mixing and counting votes team is to make up batches of votes and account for all the ballot papers received at stage 1 of the verification process and prepare for stage 2 of the counted votes process.

This job entails working in a team and is undertaken in an environment that can at times be pressurised as the count is undertaken in the presence of candidates, their counting agents or other observers. The greatest of care must be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made. 

You will be paid as per the rate of fees for the Count role undertaken.

The mixing and counted votes team will:

• Complete e-Training or attend briefing if required
• Have read and agreed to the terms of the Secrecy provisions
• Act impartially at all times and respect confidentiality of material handled
• Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates, agents, councillors or guests
• Act upon instructions from the Count Manager or Depute Returning Officer  

This team will be expected to:

• Record the number of verified batches of votes being handed over for mixing in to bundles of 250 and check that they have been signed off by the accountants first before accepting bundles of votes
• Batch verified votes into bundles of 250 and place them in a tray with a count control card
• Be responsible for stage 2 of the count which is issuing a tray of verified votes to each team to be counted and sorted into candidate /or party order
• Be responsible for stacking bundles of votes sorted and counted at tables for each candidate or party
• Put counted votes onto the racking provided and keep a manual tally of the number of votes received for each candidate or party
• Raise any issues with the Count Manager or Depute Returning Officer
• Recount bundles of votes if required
• Comply with the requirements of health and safety legislation at all times, taking due care of themselves, colleagues and others in attendance
• Be prepared to work until the count concludes (adequate breaks and drinks will be provided)
• Be required to sign their agreement to maintain the secrecy of the poll

Count staff are not permitted to have carried out duties on behalf of any political party or candidate at the election. 

Essential

• Excellent numeracy skills and attention to detail
• Ability to handle and count large volumes of confidential papers
• Good timekeeping
• Ability to treat people with fairness and respect at all times
• Ability to remain politically neutral and not support a political party / candidate at the elections
• Not connected to, nor will assist, any candidate or party at the election
• Ability to comply with the requirement for secrecy and instructions regarding the use of social media

Desirable

• Ability to work as a team member