| Print full guidance

Duty to maintain secrecy

Anyone attending a count has a duty to maintain the secrecy of the count.1 In particular, anyone attending must not:

  • ascertain or attempt to ascertain the number or other unique identifying mark on the back of any ballot paper
  • communicate any information obtained at the count as to the political party or individual candidate for whom any vote is given on any particular ballot paper
Last updated: 23 March 2026