RESIDENTS from across Redditch are being urged to sign up to play their part in the May elections.

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 is invited to attend a training session on February 21, 22 or 23.

The sessions will cover roles and outline what is involved in detail.

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.

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.”

For dates, times and locations of the sessions call 01527 881 421 or email elections@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk.