money magpie team
April 15, 2024
Reading time: Four minutes
Updated April 15, 2024
Local elections will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024. Many people don’t realize that local elections aren’t just an opportunity to vote, they’re also an opportunity to make money.
When you vote in an election, you’ll notice that poll workers are watching everything.
But have you ever thought about making some money yourself as a poll worker? Would you be free all day long?
You can then earn around £250 for a day’s work at a polling station. This is a quick and easy money making idea, perfect for retirees and students.
Who can be a poll worker?
Anyone is eligible to serve as a poll worker as long as they are 18 years of age or older, literate, numeracy, and have never worked for a candidate running in the current election. You will also need the right to work in the UK. There are several things you need to declare on your application, such as whether you are a member of a political party, actively participating in election campaigns, and whether you are a close relative of the current candidate. . This may not preclude your chances of applying, but you will need to declare it.
The only other requirement is that the applicant must be registered on the electoral register. If you are not registered on the electoral register, you must be registered on the electoral register. Not being on the electoral roll can hurt your credit rating.
If you are not registered on the electoral register you can Register to vote on the official government website. You can also find your local electoral registration office by: Please click here. Alternatively, call your local authority.
What’s involved?
As a poll worker, you set up polling places and ensure proper procedures are followed throughout the day, including after polls close.
Your duties include checking whether people are eligible to vote, checking and marking electoral numbers, stamping and issuing ballots, and most importantly, ensuring that the votes are counted. This includes ensuring that it is done in secret. and put into the ballot box. For the first time, photo identification is now compulsory for all in-person votes at all UK polling stations in parliamentary elections. You will need to look closely at their faces as they will be checking your voter ID to confirm that you are a voter. Identity.
You answer to the chairman, who is in charge of the polling station.
It’s usually a long day, starting early in the morning (usually 6 a.m.) until at least 11 p.m., when voting ends.
You can also ask to help count your ballots in the evening, but be aware that as you can imagine, this is quite a frantic job. Must work well under pressure and be able to focus in a busy environment.
duties of a polling station clerk; requirements To become one, IClick here to view the Handbook for Polling Place Staff.
How much can you make?
The amount you receive varies depending on the municipality, so it depends on where you apply.
You must receive at least £150 per day, with the councils that pay the most offering more than £250.
To find out how much your local authority pays, go to the website and search for ‘poll worker’. For a list of local authorities in England and Wales, please visit click here.
It is also worth keeping in mind that If you have worked at a polling place at least two other times, you can apply for the chairman position so you can get more money. (For example, the chairman of Herefordshire earns over £350 a year, while in Merton, London he earns £430.
There are other roles available that may not require a full day of work. Bristol Council has some great videos and leaflets explaining the different roles and expectations.
How do I apply?
Poll workers typically have worked for local government, but this experience is not a requirement. Most councils and local authorities have information on how to become a poll worker. Website. Visit the website and search Search for “polling worker” or simply “become a poll worker” on Google, followed by your town, city, or council. For a list of City Council websites, please visit click here.
Alternatively, you can call your local authority and ask for the Electoral Registration Office or send an email stating your interest. A clerk will send you a form if needed. Please do not leave your application until one week before the election, as the position is probably already filled. It’s better to apply sooner rather than later.
Some local authorities recruit all year round, so you can keep applying and still get on the waiting list for the next election.
If you are selected as a poll worker, you will attend a training/information session and take an oath the day before the election.
On the day of the election, the chief supervises the entire precinct and provides supervision and guidance.
Have you ever made money as a poll worker? Do you have any other good money making ideas? Let us know in the comments section below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!