Working at the election
We appoint temporary staff to help with the running of elections.
For the 7 May 2026 election you can apply to work at a polling station or at the verfiication and count.
Roles available
- Poll clerk at a polling station on 7 May 2026 between 6:30am and 10:15pm - locations across the city
- Counting assistant at the verification and count on 8 May 2026 from 8:00am at the Utilita Arena in the city centre
Who can apply
You must be:
- 18 or older to work as a poll clerk
- 16 or older to work as a counting assistant
For either role you must:
- not be employed, paid or unpaid, by or on behalf of any candidate or political party
- declare any campaigning you have carried out in the last 5 years for a political party or candidate
If successful you will need to show proof you are entitled to work in the UK. You can do this with one of the following:
- a passport
- full birth certificate showing parentage and proof of your National Insurance number (such as a P60, P45 or payslip)
- a Home Office issued registration certificate or document certifying permanent residence
If you are applying to be a poll clerk you must tell us which areas of the city you can work in.
If you work for Birmingham City Council you must have support from your line manager or supervisor.
Conflict of interest
You must tell us if you have worked for, supported or carried out campaigning for any political aprty or candidate. If you do not tell us, we may withdraw any offer of appointment.
This may also mean your fee is withheld and you cannot work for as future elections.
How to apply
- Read the the information for new applicants guide
- Download the application for new staff form
- Complete all information and provide the required Right to Work evidence
- Return by email to: EOstaffing@birmingham.gov.uk
How we fill vacancies
We prioritise applications from people who have worked at previous elections and have good reports from supervising staff.
Once we know where we have vacancies, we will contact people who have applied to work in those areas.
We will email you with an offer that includes the location and the terms and conditions. The email will explain how to accept or decline.
We are filling vacancies up to 6 May 2026. As election day approaches we may phone you to check if you can accept an offer.
We will only contact you if we can offer you a role. You do not need to contact us about your application or to check for vacancies.
Page last updated: 24 April 2026
