Working at the election

Once polls close at 10pm, for most elections we count the votes overnight at the Coventry Building Society Arena. 

We have a number of roles available at the count, which is where we verify and count the votes and sort out the equipment that has been returned from the polling stations.

Count assistants

Counting Assistants help with the counting of ballot papers. Count Assistants sort and count votes accurately and at a reasonable speed, working as part of a team and as instructed by a Senior Count Supervisor. 
The hours of work are 10.15pm until approximately 4am (however this time may vary, and you will be required to stay until we finish) at the count venue. Free parking is provided. Training and instructions will be given. 

Count assistants - unused ballot papers

Count assistants - unused ballot papers count the unused ballot papers returned from the polling stations. We have to account for all of 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 around 2am for overnight counts.

Ballot box receipt staff

Assist in taking paperwork and ballot boxes from Presiding Officer cars on at the count venue. The hours are approximately 9.30pm to 2am. This job includes manual handling requirements, as you will be carrying filled ballot boxes. Any staff fulfilling these roles will need to be able to work at speed whilst carrying heavy loads. You may also be required to help count unused ballot papers.

If you are allocated to work at the count

Once you've been offered and accepted your role, you will be sent a count ticket through the post. The ticket will explain venue details, parking and what time to arrive.

Online training is usually available before the election, this will be sent out via email in the weeks leading up to the election.