Guidance for Candidates and Agents at UK Parliamentary general elections in Northern Ireland

The following sections provide guidance on the process of verifying and counting the votes in the election. As a candidate you will be invited to attend and observe these processes.

It includes guidance on the following: 

• when and where the count will take place
• who can attend the count
• what does a counting agent do?
• duty to maintain secrecy
• how votes are counted
• what if the vote on a ballot paper is not clear?
• doubtful ballot papers
• declaration of result