Find out what it's like to work in a polling station

Anyone interested in working in a polling station ahead of the 2027 Gloucestershire Council elections is invited to visit Stroud District Council's mock polling station at Ebley Mill on Tuesday 22 September from 4pm to 6pm.

The drop-in information event will give participants the opportunity to experience first-hand what polling station staff do on election day. Visitors can practise issuing a ballot paper, learn which forms of photo ID are accepted, and ask questions of elections officers.

It is suitable for people who have never worked in a polling station before, as well as experienced polling station staff looking to refresh their knowledge. 

The practical information session comes ahead of elections on 6 May 2027 for the new Gloucestershire Council, which will bring together services currently delivered by Gloucestershire County Council and the county's six district, borough and city councils - including Stroud District Council - into a single organisation. 

Stroud District Council sets up 105 polling stations during elections, serving more than 97,000 voters. To support this, the council typically recruits around 435 temporary polling station staff.

Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm on election day, and staff work for approximately 16 hours to set up, run and then close the station. Presiding Officers must be able to drive, as they are responsible for transporting ballot boxes to the count venue at the end of the day.

In 2026, fees were £215.20 for a Poll Clerk and £304.20 for a Presiding Officer. These rates are agreed across Gloucestershire and are subject to change for the May 2027 elections. Training will be provided for all successful applicants before the election.

Kathy O'Leary, Chief Executive and Returning Officer for Stroud District Council said:

"Working in a polling station is an exciting opportunity to get involved in the democratic process, and polling station staff report that they really enjoy the experience.

"Whether you've never worked at an election before or have previous experience, I encourage you to come along to our information event and find out more about the roles available and the important contribution polling station staff make to ensuring elections run smoothly."

The event will take place at:

• Stroud District Council,  Ebley Mill,  Ebley Wharf,  Stroud,  GL5 4UB
• Tuesday 22 September, 4pm to 6pm

Those arriving by bike can use the lockable cycle racks at the entrance to the building. Free visitor parking is available on site in the SDC staff car park (turn right at the mini roundabout).  

For more information about polling station roles and to apply to become a Poll Clerk or Presiding Officer, visit the Elections staffing page on the Stroud District Council website: Elections staffing

More information about Gloucestershire Council can be found here:  Future Gloucestershire : Devolution and Local Government Reorganisation in Gloucestershire.

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