Verification can only be completed once all postal ballot papers, including those received at polling stations, have been opened and processed, and have been through the verification process.
Verification statement
You must ensure that the verification statement containing the result of the verification of each ballot box is completed.
The statement must in each case include the total number of postal ballot papers and the total number of ballot papers verified for the poll. You should sign the statement.
Any agent may make a copy of the statement as to the result of the verification and, to promote confidence in the result, you should make copies available for the agents present once verification has been completed.1
If, on completion of verification, you do not proceed immediately to the counting of the votes, you should place the ballot papers and other documents in secure packets under your own seal and the seals of any agents present who wish to affix their own seals.2
You should take all necessary steps to ensure the security of the ballot papers and the relevant stationery during any break in the verification and count proceedings.