Polling Agents, Counting Agents and Tellers
As well as an election agent candidates can also appoint people to work on their behalf on polling day in polling stations and at the count.
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There is no obligation to appoint polling agents, counting agents or tellers.
Polling Agent
A polling agent can attend their designated polling station to observe the conduct of the election. For example they can
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Observe the opening of the poll and witness the Presiding Officer sealing the ballot box;
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Detect personation and prevent people from voting more than once at the same election;
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Report to their election agent/candidate any improper occurrences and retain notes for use in giving evidence;
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Be present at the close of poll when the various packets are sealed;
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At the close of poll attach their own seal to the ballot box. Polling agents cannot attach seals to the ballot box at the commencement of or during the poll.
How many polling agents can be appointed
A candidate can appoint up to four polling agents to attend each polling station, or any number as determined by the Returning Officer.
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Only one polling agent will be allowed into a particular polling station any time;
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Any agent may be appointed to attend more than one polling station.
This year the Returning Officer must be notified in writing of the names and addresses of all polling agents no later than Thursday 24 April 2008.
Counting Agent
The main role of the counting agent is to oversee the counting process and make sure it is undertaken in an orderly accurate and correct manner.
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Counting Agents will not participate in the count they are there to observe the process.
This year the Returning Officer must be notified in writing of the names and addresses of all counting agents no later than Thursday 24 April 2008.
Agents in relation to postal voting
Candidates or their election agents can appoint one or more agents to attend the proceedings for the opening of postal votes.
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The returning Officer will give at least 48 hours notice of the time and place for the opening of postal ballot votes;
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The Returning officer must be informed in writing of the names and addresses of any agents before the time fixed for the opening of postal votes.
Tellers
Tellers work for political parties. They stand outside polling stations or polling places and record the numbers of voters who have voted.
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There should be no more than one teller at a polling station for each candidate or political party at any time;
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They must remain outside of the polling station other than to cast their own vote;
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Comply with the instructions of the returning Officer and Presiding officer
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They must not be able to see or hear what is happening inside the polling station;
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They must not impede, obstruct or intimidate voters on their way in or out of the polling station or demand any information relation to a voters elector number etc;
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They must not display any campaign material either in support of or against any candidate or political party other than a rosette.
Further information can be obtained from the Electoral Commission's guidance Tellers in and around polling places.