Principles for effective verification, count and result collation
You should ensure that your verification and count arrangements can deliver the following key principles for an effective verification and count:
All processes are transparent, with a clear and unambiguous audit trail. For example:
everything is carried out in clear view of all those entitled to attend
sufficient information is provided to attendees on the processes to be followed
communication of information is consistent and open
The secrecy of the vote is maintained at all times
The security of ballot papers and other stationery is maintained at all times
The verification produces an accurate result. This means that the number of ballot papers in each box either matches the number of ballot papers issued as stated on the ballot paper account or, if it does not:
the source of the variance has been identified and can be explained and/or
the box has been recounted at least twice, until the same number of papers is counted on two consecutive occasions
The count produces an accurate result, where
at the first count, the total number of first preference votes cast for each candidate and rejected votes matches the total number of ballot papers given on the verification statement for the election
at the second count, where required, the number of ballot papers on which a first preference vote was given to those candidates who did not remain in the contest equals the sum of:
the total number of ballot papers containing a valid second preference vote for a continuing candidate,
the total number of ballot papers containing a second preference vote for a candidate not remaining in the contest and
the total number of rejected ballot papers at the second count
The verification, count and result collation are timely
In developing a result collation process, you will need to consider each key stage that contributes to the overall result, including verifying the ballot papers and counting the votes in each of the areas within the combined authority area, collating the local totals and calculating the result, you should ensure that these are organised, managed and delivered in such a way as to ensure these principles can be met.
In addition to considering how your processes will enable you to meet the key principles, you should consider other relevant practical factors that will affect the organisation and timing of the verification, count and result collation such as:
other polls taking place in the combined authority area
the number of local authorities within the combined authority area
turnout
the geography of the combined authority area
size, capacity and availability of venues
the ability to ensure transparency for candidates, agents and observers at the venues
the cost of using the venues
(once known) the number of candidates standing for election