Anyone interested in working in a polling station during the forthcoming county council elections is invited to visit the Stroud District Council mock polling station at Ebley Mill on Thursday 27 February from 3.30-6.30pm.
Participants will see what polling staff do, practice issuing a ballot paper, learn which types of ID are acceptable, and can ask questions of elections officers.
The event is suitable for people who have never worked in a polling station as well as experienced polling station staff who would like to brush up on their skills prior to the county council elections which will take place on Thursday, 1 May 2025.
Stroud District Council sets up 105 polling stations during elections that cater for more than 97,000 voters. Last year it employed 435 temporary election staff who issued more than 150,000 ballot papers.
Polling stations are open from 7am until 10pm on election days and staff work for approximately 16 hours which includes setting the station up and packing everything down. Poll clerks earn around £205 and presiding officers around £289. Presiding officers must be able to drive as they transport the ballot boxes to the count venue at the end of the day.
“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,” said Kathy O’Leary, Stroud District Council Chief Executive and Returning Officer.
“I encourage anyone who is interested to attend our event and find out more about the process.”
The mock polling station is a drop-in event; however, attendees are encouraged to email elections@stroud.gov.uk to register their interest.
For more information about working in a polling station and to apply for a position, visit Elections Job Opportunities
Gloucestershire County Council Elections 2025: Key Dates, Deadlines, and Information
Election Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025
Registration: We encourage everyone to check whether they are registered to vote. To check or register, visit Register to vote – GOV.UK with your national insurance number. Registration takes only a few minutes. Alternatively, call 01453 766321. The registration deadline to vote in the county council election is midnight on Friday, 11 April 2025.
Photo ID Requirement: The implementation of photo ID came into force in 2023 and registered electors are required to show photo ID at polling stations. Accepted forms of ID include photo driving licences, passports, and some concessionary travel passes. Expired IDs are acceptable if the voter is still recognisable. For a full list of acceptable ID, visit Voter ID
If you do not have an accepted form of photo ID you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate at Apply for photo ID to vote (called a ‘Voter Authority Certificate’) – GOV.UK or book an appointment at the district council offices by calling 01453 766321. The application deadline for the county council election is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
How to vote:
- In Person: Vote at your local polling station between 7am and 10pm on Thursday, 1 May. Remember to bring your Voter ID. Poll cards will be issued on Tuesday, 25 March 2025.
- By Post: Complete a postal voting form and send it to the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Monday, 14 April 2025. If you are registered as a postal voter, you will receive a poll card and postal voting form approximately 15 days before polling day.
- By Proxy: Appoint someone you trust to vote on your behalf. Complete an application form and send it to the Electoral Registration Officer by 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April 2025. Proxy voters must take their own acceptable form of photo ID to your polling station.
How to Apply for Postal and Proxy Votes:
- Postal Votes: Apply online or download an application form from the Stroud District Council website. Call 01453 766321 or email elections@stroud.gov.uk to request an application form. The deadline is 5pm on Monday, 14 April 2025.
- Proxy Votes: Apply online or download an application form from the Stroud District Council website. Call 01453 766321 or email elections@stroud.gov.uk to request an application form. The deadline is 5pm on Wednesday, 23 April 2025.
For more details and information on emergency proxy votes, visit the Stroud District Council website www.stroud.gov.uk/elections
