Working as a poll clerk
Poll clerks support the Presiding Officer, who is responsible for running the polling station. Polling stations are located across the city and each one has between one and three poll clerks.
Poll clerk duties and responsibilities
Full instructions will be provided if you are appointed. As an overview, poll clerks must:
- arrive at the polling station by 6:30am to help set up before it opens at 7:00am
- greet voters and check their name and address so they can be marked in the register of electors
- stay at the polling station until it closes at 10:00pm
- assist the presiding officer to close the station, which takes around 15 minutes
- be available and at the station between 7:00am and 10:00pm, taking breaks as directed by the presiding officer
- wear comfortable clothing suitable for the early start, late finish and weather
- not wear any clothing, badges, slogans or colours that may affect impartiality
- bring with them any food or drink they need for the day
- bring a book or similar for any quiet periods
Pay
If appointed you will be paid a gross fee of £241.17, plus £20 for the time spent on training. Payment is made by BACS after the election.
Application and appointment
Find out who can apply, how to apply, and how we fill vacancies on our working at the election page.
Training
You must attend a short training session about the role. This lasts less than one hour. Details will be provided when you are made an offer.
Casting your vote when working as a poll clerk
If you normally vote at the polling station where you are working you can vote there as usual.
If you vote at a different polling station in Birmingham you should apply for a postal vote or a proxy vote. If you are appointed very close to election day and cannot use a postal or proxy vote, arrangements will be made to let you vote.
Page last updated: 24 April 2026
