Guidance for (Acting) Returning Officers administering a UK Parliamentary election in Great Britain

Reconciliation of count totals

Once all of the ballot papers have been sorted and any doubtful ballots adjudicated, the key task of reconciliation can begin.

You must count all of the bundles and part bundles of ballot papers showing a valid vote for each candidate. 

You must then add the total for each candidate to the total number of rejected ballot papers. This total figure should match exactly the figure giving the total number of ballot papers obtained at the end of the verification process. 

If the two figures agree you should proceed to the process of consulting the candidates and agents on the provisional result.1  

Procedure for unreconciled results

You should be satisfied that the results or totals (as appropriate) reflect the ballots received. If the figures do not reconcile, you should take steps in order to identify and rectify the discrepancy such as:  

  • checking the storage area and check to ensure that all ballot boxes have been opened and are empty
  • checking all floors and surfaces for ballot papers that may have been dropped in the count venue
  • re-checking the verification figures and reconciliation for calculation mistakes
  • ensuring that all rejected ballot papers have been accounted for
  • checking that all bundles and part bundles have been counted
  • consider recounting the ballot papers in the bundles

You should also carry out any other checks you deem necessary. 

Last updated: 19 December 2023