Poll Clerk Pay UK: Is It Worth It for One Day’s Work?

Looking to make a bit of extra money without committing to a regular side hustle? Working as a poll clerk is one of those jobs that sounds almost too easy — turn up, sit around, get paid. But is that actually true?

In this guide, I’ll explain how much poll clerks get paid in the UK, what the day really involves, and whether it’s worth it as a side hustle. I’ll also cover counting clerk roles, which can pay even more, just with very different hours.

As regular readers will know, I’ve tried all sorts of ways to boost my income over the years. But with three children and a full-time job, flexibility matters. Poll clerk work appealed to me because it’s just one day’s work — no long-term commitment.

While I’m still waiting to be selected myself, my friend Dawn has several years’ experience working as both a poll clerk and a counting clerk. She agreed to share exactly what the job is like behind the scenes.

Quick answer: is being a poll clerk worth it in the UK?

Yes — for the right person.

You’ll usually earn between £150 and £230 for a single day, including paid training. The downside is that it’s a very long day (around 6am to 10pm) and you can’t leave the polling station. It’s not exciting, but for one guaranteed day of work, it’s a solid earner.

How do you become a poll clerk in the UK?

You apply directly through your local council’s elections office. When an election is coming up, councils need a lot of staff and are usually keen to hear from reliable people.

The process is simple:
• Fill in a short application form or email
• Attend a brief training session (often paid)
• Wait to be allocated to a polling station

The earlier you apply, the better. Some councils keep a list of people who want to work elections, so it’s worth registering interest even months in advance.

Poll clerk work is only available around elections, which is why interest and applications tend to spike in the weeks before polling day.

What does a poll clerk’s day involve?

It’s an early start. You’ll need to arrive at your polling station by 6:00am to set up before voting opens at 7:00am.

You’ll work alongside another poll clerk and a Presiding Officer, who is in charge of the station.

Your main tasks are:
• Checking voters’ names against the electoral register
• Issuing ballot papers
• Keeping accurate voting tallies
• Helping the day run smoothly and legally

Polling closes at 10:00pm. Once everything is packed away, you’re free to go home.

What’s it really like working as a poll clerk?

“It really depends who you’re working with,” Dawn told me. “If you get on, it can actually be quite enjoyable. If not, it’s a very long day.”

You can’t leave the building, so you need to bring food and drinks. Some polling stations have kitchens, others don’t — so it’s best to plan for the worst.

There can be long quiet periods, mixed with short busy spells. If you don’t mind sitting still and chatting to the public, it’s an easy job. If you struggle with long days or boredom, it might not be for you.

If you prefer flexible work you can do from home, you might want to look at online options instead — I’ve covered some of the best ways to make money online elsewhere on the site.

How much do poll clerks get paid in the UK?

Pay varies by council, but most poll clerks earn £150 to £230 for the day, including training.

In the South-East of Kent, for example, the rate is around £170.

When you break it down hourly, it’s not amazing — but for one guaranteed day’s work with no ongoing commitment, it compares well with many other side hustles.

What about working as a counting clerk?

Counting clerks are recruited in the same way as poll clerks, but the hours are very different.

Counting usually starts once the polls close. Shifts often run from 7:00pm through the night, sometimes until early morning if recounts are needed. Overtime is usually paid if things run late.

“It’s much busier than the polling stations,” Dawn said. “There can be over a hundred people in one big hall.”

Counting clerk tasks include:
• Laying out ballot papers on long counting boards (“grass skirts”)
• Counting votes in batches
• Recording totals manually or on a computer

“It’s very old-school,” Dawn laughed. “I’ve no idea why they still do it this way.”

How much does a counting clerk earn?

Counting clerks usually earn £200 to £250, depending on how long the count lasts. Many venues provide free food or refreshments during the night, which helps.

The work is more intense, but the hourly rate is often better than polling station work.

How do you become a Presiding Officer?

If you’ve worked as a poll clerk before, a Presiding Officer can nominate you for the role.

Presiding Officers:
• Run the polling station
• Take responsibility for the ballot box
• Handle any issues or disputes

They typically earn around £100 more than a poll clerk, but the job is more stressful. You’ll collect equipment the day before and return the ballot box after polls close.

“You’re responsible for everything,” Dawn said. “If something goes wrong, you might even have to explain it in court.”

Pros and cons of being a poll clerk

Pros
• Guaranteed pay
• Paid training
• No experience required
• One day only

Cons
• Very long day
• No leaving the building
• Infrequent work
• Early starts or overnight shifts

Is poll clerk work a good side hustle?

Poll clerk work won’t replace a regular income and it won’t make you rich. But for one or two days a year, it’s a reliable way to earn a tidy sum and take part in an important democratic process.

I’ve applied a couple of times myself — and I’m still waiting for my chance.

If you want other simple ways to boost your income, you might also like becoming an extra or some of the other easy side hustles I’ve covered.

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