Guidance for Candidates and Agents at Scottish Parliament elections

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
• recounts
• what if the vote on a ballot paper is not clear?
• doubtful ballot papers
• declaration of result
• allocation of seats