Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Scottish Parliament elections

Counting agents can be appointed by:1

• a candidate for the constituency election
• an election agent for a candidate at the constituency election 
• an election agent for a party list for the regional election
• an individual candidate for the regional election
• an election agent of an individual candidate at regional election

Anyone, apart from those listed, can be appointed as a counting agent.
 
The following people are not allowed to be counting agents:

• the Constituency Returning Officer (CRO), the Regional Returning Officer (RRO), or a member of their staff (including any clerks appointed specifically for the election)2   
• a deputy or clerk of the CRO, RRO or a member of their staff3  
• an officer of a local authority whose services have been placed at the disposal of the CRO or RRO4
• a partner or clerk of any of the above5  
• anyone not entitled to vote at the election as a result of the report of an election court or a conviction for a corrupt or illegal practice under the Representation of the People Act 19836

Any constituency candidates, individual regional candidates and election agents of party lists can also automatically act as a counting agent without the need of an official appointment.7
 
Sub-agents may also attend the count, but only instead of the election agent.
 
The CRO will tell you the maximum number of counting agents you can appoint.
 
All candidates will be allowed to appoint exactly the same number.

The request to appoint these agents must be made in writing to the CRO and must contain the names and addresses of the people being appointed. The counting agent appointment form can be obtained from the relevant RO or downloaded from our website.
 

The deadline for appointing these is by no later than 5 working days before the poll.
 
If an agent dies or becomes incapable of acting, you may appoint another agent in their place by submitting the relevant appointment form to the CRO. Any new appointment in these circumstances must be made without delay.8   

For more information on what agents can and cannot do and what they can expect to see at the count, see our guidance on what does a counting agent do?