Working at elections

At election time Slough employs people to work at the:

  • polling stations
  • opening of postal votes
  • counting of votes.

An explanation of the roles we need to fill are given below. A few months before an election we write to all the volunteers on our database to state what positions we are looking to fill. We then fill the vacancies we have from the people volunteering to work.

Whilst there is no requirement for previous experience for some roles, Presiding Officers and Count Supervisors must have a proven track record of relevant experience. However, for obvious reasons we are unable to appoint anyone who has been working in any capacity on behalf of any candidate or political party taking part in the election.

After reading the job descriptions, if you are interested in taking part please complete and return the election staff details application form below and we can add you to our database.

Polling station staff

All polling stations are run by a Presiding Officer and one or more Poll Clerks. The staff are responsible for the conduct of the ballot in each polling station, to make sure the proper procedure for voting is followed. On election day polling station staff are required to work from 6am until 10.30pm without leaving the polling station.

Counting staff

Counting staff are employed to count the votes that have been cast throughout the election. This can sometimes start when the polling stations close at 10pm and carry on through to 6am the following day, or it may be held the following day. On this occasion, the count will be during the day on the Friday after the election and it is expected to be all day although an early finish is likely.

Postal votes staff

Staff are employed to open postal votes in accordance with the election rules.

How to apply

Email your completed form as a scanned document to: ballotbox@slough.gov.uk  or print, complete and post the form to:

Electoral Services
Slough Borough Council
Observatory House
25 Windsor Road
Slough
Berkshire
SL1 2EL.

If you have issues accessing or completing the form, please contact Electoral Services at ballotbox@slough.gov.uk.