The count
The length of time the count takes will depend on the size and nature of the election and whether re-counts are required. You must be prepared to stay as long as it takes. If the count takes place immediately after the close of poll, you will start work late into the night and into the early hours of the morning (or later) until finished.
The count will take place at the Kent County Cricket Ground, Worsley Bridge Road, Beckenham, BR3 1RL
Job purpose
To open ballot boxes, count the number of ballot papers (ensuring the numbers agree with the ballot paper accounts) and then sort and count the votes for each candidate/party in the election.
The role
The role of a count assistant is not difficult but duties are undertaken in a pressurised environment and the greatest of care has to be taken to ensure that mistakes are not made. They must:
- Provide electoral services with payment details, proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK, if requested
- Attend training, if required
- Have read and agreed the secrecy requirements
- Act impartially at all times and respect confidentiality of material handled
- Dress appropriately in neutral colours
- Undertake work at unsociable hours
- Refrain from engaging in conversations with candidates, agents, councillors or guests
Principal duties and responsibilities
- Work as part of a team following instructions from the supervisor
- Count the number of ballot papers in a ballot box (and re-count if required)
- Sort ballot papers into votes for individual candidates/parties and count using the method designated by the Returning Officer (and re-count if required)
- Check the counting of others, as required
- Complete paperwork accurately
- Draw the supervisor’s attention to any doubtful votes, as instructed
- Undertake any other count assistant related duties as required
- Remain at the count centre until all votes are counted
Person specification
Essential criteria
- Fully literate and numerate
- Ability to handle and count large volumes of ballot papers as instructed, accurately and under pressure
- Ability to work as team member
- Punctual and reliable
- Not connected to, nor will assist any candidate or party at the election
Desirable criteria
- Previous experience as a count assistant