Employment at elections - Unused Votes Counting Assistant

The purpose of the unused Counting Votes Assistant is to reconcile the total number of unused ballot papers received for each polling station.   The Returning Officer must account for all the ballot papers given to the polling stations, whether they have been used by voters or not. 

Staff will count the books of ballot papers and record a figure for each polling station and then box up the ballot papers to go into storage. Staff are required from around 10pm until all the unused black sacks for each polling station have been verified

Unused Counting Votes Assistant’s duties are straightforward but 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 help prevent mistakes from happening.

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

As an unused Counting Votes Assistant, you 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

Unused Counting Votes Assistants will work in teams and will be expected to:

• Count the number of unused ballot papers that have been returned by the Polling Staff in the black sack contained in the blue box(es)
• Double check the counting of others as required
• Record totals on a verification control card which must be given to the accountants to reconcile with their records of used ballot papers recorded on the ballot paper accounts
• Place ballot papers back in the sack in the appropriate labelled blue box and store in numerical order;
• Raise any issues with the Count Manager or Depute Returning Officer if the black sack is missing.
• Recount books 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

• Good 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