RESIDENTS from across Redditch are being invited to sign up to play their part in the local elections this May.
Each year, to ensure the smooth running of the elections, hundreds of staff are taken on to help with a variety of jobs including Poll Clerks, Counters, Presiding Officers, Runners and many more.
Anyone interested in being paid to work this year or for future elections is invited to attend a training session on February 21, 22, and 23.
The sessions will cover roles and outline what is involved in detail.
A mock polling station will be set up to give attendees the opportunity to experience marking a register and issuing a ballot paper.
It will also give them an overview of how the count works.
Attendees can then decide if they’d like to put their name down to work this year’s election and sign up at the session.
For anyone who has previously worked an election, there will also be some advanced sessions available for Presiding Officer (120 minute) and Count Supervisor (120 minute) roles.
These courses will be designed for Poll Clerks (PCs) who are interested in becoming Presiding Officers (POs), POs who may need a refresher or detailed training on particular elements and those hoping to become Count Supervisors (CSs) with a detailed understanding on the roles and responsibilities of being a CS.
Darren Whitney, electoral services manager, said: “To make elections happen and to make sure your vote counts we rely on a large number of people. There are a variety of jobs available whether it’s processing postal votes, helping out as a poll clerk at the polling stations, being a runner or counting votes.
“Each and every person who helps make an election happen is important and we can’t do it without you. Some do it because it’s a chance to get out and meet new people, others for a bit of extra money or a chance to be involved in the process that underpins our democracy.
“It doesn’t matter if you have no experience, if you’re interested in working this year’s election, come along and see what is on offer and what it takes to do the job. Whatever your reasons, we need you.”
Sessions are as follows:
Feb 21: 1pm – 3pm, Palace Theatre – Count Supervisor Training
Feb 23: 10.30am – Noon, Palace Theatre – Introduction to working on Elections
Feb 23: 1pm – 3pm, Palace Theatre – Being a Presiding Officer Training
More sessions are available in Bromsgrove. For more details call 01527 881 421 or email [email protected].
